Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- ⅓ cup cold water (adjust as needed)
For the filling (optional):
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (or your favorite filling)
- ½ cup cooked spinach or other vegetables
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg (optional, for a richer filling)
- Or, use chocolate, jam, or fruit for a sweet twist!
Egg wash:
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp water
Instructions:
1.
Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cold butter and rub it in with your fingertips or pulse in a food processor until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces.
- Slowly add the cold water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. You may need a bit more or less water, so adjust as needed.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, knead it gently a few times, then form it into a ball. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight).
2.
Roll the Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove the dough from the fridge and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut the dough into squares (approximately 3-4 inches per side). For a round pastry, you can also cut circles.
3.
Add the Filling:
- Place a spoonful of your desired filling (cheese mixture, chocolate, or jam) in the center of each square.
- Fold the corners of the dough towards the center, pinching the edges to seal the filling inside, creating a small bundle or pocket.
4.
Egg Wash:
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg and water together to make the egg wash.
- Brush the tops of each pastry with the egg wash for a golden, shiny finish.
5.
Bake:
- Place the pastries on a parchment-lined baking tray. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and crisp.
6.
Serve:
- Let the pastries cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm for a delightful crispy treat!
Tips:
- For Extra Crispiness: Use a combination of butter and a bit of shortening or lard for an even flakier texture.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the pastries ahead of time and freeze them before baking. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with sweet or savory fillings, such as a mixture of chocolate and hazelnuts or mushrooms and cheese.