Imagine serving a dish so delightful, your guests can’t stop talking about it! This recipe, featuring golden fried spinach and cheese crescents, is bound to become a household favorite. Crispy on the outside and bursting with a savory, cheesy spinach filling, these crescents are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy family dinner, these treats will impress everyone. Let’s dive into the rich history, detailed ingredients, and step-by-step instructions to create this culinary masterpiece.
History
The art of stuffing dough with delicious fillings dates back centuries, with variations found in nearly every culture. From Italian calzones to Latin American empanadas, the concept of encasing savory fillings in dough is universally beloved. This recipe draws inspiration from these traditional dishes, combining the wholesome flavors of spinach and cheese in a delightful crescent shape.
Ingredients
To make these mouth-watering spinach and cheese crescents, you will need:
- 900 grams flour (7 1/2 cups)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 60 grams butter (4 tablespoons)
- 500 milliliters lukewarm water (2 cups)
- 200 grams spinach (7 ounces)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 100 grams grated cheddar cheese or mozzarella (3 1/2 ounces)
- Oil for frying, to taste
Instructions
Preparing the Dough
- Mixing the Ingredients
- Start by placing the flour and a teaspoon of salt in a large bowl.
- Add the melted butter to the bowl and mix thoroughly with your hands.
- Gradually pour in the lukewarm water, mixing continuously until the dough begins to form.
- Kneading the Dough
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface.
- Knead the dough for about ten minutes until it becomes smooth and no longer sticky.
- Cover the dough with a plastic bag or a damp cloth and let it rest for 15 minutes.
- Dividing the Dough
- Once rested, divide the dough into two equal parts.
- Set one part aside and cover it to prevent drying out.
Preparing the Filling
- Washing and Chopping the Spinach
- Wash the spinach thoroughly and finely chop it.
- Place the chopped spinach in a bowl.
- Seasoning the Spinach
- Add a teaspoon of salt and a teaspoon of black pepper to the spinach.
- Mix well with a spoon, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Adding the Cheese
- Grate the cheddar cheese or mozzarella and set aside.
Assembling the Crescents
- Rolling Out the Dough
- Using a rolling pin, roll out one portion of the dough on a lightly floured surface.
- Aim for a thin, even sheet.
- Cutting the Dough
- Use a cup or round cutter to cut out circles from the rolled dough.
- Place a small amount of spinach filling in the center of each circle.
- Add a generous portion of grated cheese on top of the spinach.
- Forming the Crescents
- Fold each circle in half to form a half-moon shape.
- Press the edges firmly with your fingertips to seal.
- Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch and to ensure a secure seal.
Frying the Crescents
- Heating the Oil
- Pour oil into a deep frying pan and heat it over medium-high heat.
- Test the oil temperature by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.
- Frying the Crescents
- Carefully place the crescents into the hot oil.
- Fry until golden brown on both sides, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Draining Excess Oil
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried crescents from the oil.
- Place them on a plate lined with absorbent paper to drain any excess oil.
Nutrition Information
This delightful recipe serves approximately 8-10 people. Here is a rough estimate of the nutritional information per serving:
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Protein: 8 grams
- Carbohydrates: 32 grams
- Fat: 13 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Calcium: 100 mg
- Iron: 2 mg
Conclusion
Your guests will be truly amazed by this method of preparing golden fried spinach and cheese crescents. The crispy, golden exterior and the savory, cheesy filling create a delightful culinary experience. This dish is not only delicious but also versatile, making it perfect for any occasion. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to impress everyone with this sensational recipe!