Are you looking for a way to elevate your weeknight dinners without spending hours in the kitchen? Filo dough, that incredibly versatile and flaky pastry, is your secret weapon! It's surprisingly easy to work with and lends itself to a world of delicious and healthy dinner possibilities. From savory pies to crispy parcels, these filo dough recipes will become your new go-to for quick dinner ideas and impressive homemade cooking. Get ready to discover the magic of filo!
Spinach and Feta Filo Triangles: A Quick and Healthy Dinner Option
This recipe is perfect for a healthy and satisfying weeknight meal. It's packed with flavor and incredibly easy to make, even for beginner cooks.
Ingredients:
- 1 package (14.1 oz) filo dough, thawed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 oz fresh spinach, chopped
- 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Instructions:
- Prep the Filling: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until softened. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in feta cheese and dill. Let cool slightly.
- Assemble the Triangles: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly brush a filo sheet with olive oil. Layer two more sheets on top, brushing each with oil. Cut the filo stack into triangles (approximately 6 inches wide at the base).
- Fill and Bake: Spoon a generous amount of spinach and feta filling onto the wide end of each triangle. Fold the corners over the filling, then roll up tightly towards the tip. Place the triangles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with beaten egg.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Serve warm.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Filo Triangles:
- Work quickly with filo dough to prevent it from drying out. Keep unused sheets covered with a damp cloth.
- Don't overload the triangles with filling, as this can make them difficult to roll and may cause them to leak.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or a squeeze of lemon juice to the filling.
Variations:
- Mushroom and Swiss: Substitute sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese for the spinach and feta.
- Chicken and Vegetable: Add cooked chicken and your favorite vegetables (such as bell peppers and zucchini) to the filling.
- Mediterranean Delight: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and artichoke hearts into the filling.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
More Filo Dough Dinner Ideas:
- Filo Pie with Ground Meat and Vegetables: A hearty and satisfying option, perfect for a family dinner.
- Sweet and Savory Filo Parcels: Experiment with different fillings like apples and cinnamon, or chicken and apricot.
- Crispy Filo Cups with Creamy Filling: Perfect for appetizers or a light lunch, easily adapted for a dinner option.
These filo dough recipes are not only delicious but also offer a healthy and quick alternative to traditional dinner options. Embrace the versatility of filo dough and explore endless culinary possibilities! Enjoy your homemade cooking journey!