Puff Pastry Savories with Meat, Cheese, and Caraway Sticks

This recipe offers a delightful combination of puff pastry filled with rich meats, savory cheese, and fragrant caraway seeds. Ideal for gatherings or as party snacks, these treats provide a blend of textures and flavors that are sure to please any palate. The meat filling is spiced just right, complemented by the flaky pastry exterior. Cheese lovers will appreciate the melted cheese topping that adds just the right amount of richness. The caraway sticks, twisted and baked to perfection, provide a satisfying crunch with a hint of spice. Perfect for any occasion, this dish requires a bit of preparation but is well worth the effort. Take the time to allow the pastry to chill before baking for the best texture. Whether you're making the meat pies, cheese biscuits, or the caraway twists, each component requires its own touch of finesse. Enjoy the process, as the results are truly rewarding. Share these pastries with friends and family, and watch them disappear in no time.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 700 g flour
• 500 g margarine
• 210 g water
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 0.33 tsp citric acid
• 1 egg for glazing

For the Filling:

• 400 g roasted or boiled pork
• 300 g cheese
• 1 boiled egg
• 1 onion
• 2 boiled carrots
• 1 packet of caraway seeds
• Salt
• Pepper

Preparation Time

Total: 90 minutes (Including chilling time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Dough: Cut chilled margarine into slices and add flour, gently mixing with a wooden spoon until crumbly.
2. Mix the Liquid: Dissolve salt, sugar, and citric acid in cold water and add to the flour mixture.
3. Combine Ingredients: Quickly mix everything with a spoon to form a dough.
4. Chill: Form the dough into a ball, press slightly with hands, and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes.
5. Roll and Fold: Roll out the dough on a floured surface, folding edges to form a neat loaf shape.
6. Repeat: Roll again to minimize scraps, and ready the dough for various uses.
7. For the Meat Pies: Grind the pork and chop the onion finely. Grate the boiled egg and carrots.
8. Spice the Filling: Mix all filling ingredients together, adding salt and pepper to taste.
9. Fill the Pastries: Roll out a piece of dough, cut into circles with a glass, place filling in the center, and pinch edges.
10. Glaze and Bake: Brush with beaten egg and bake until golden brown.
11. For the Caraway Sticks: Roll dough, brush with egg, sprinkle with caraway and salt.
12. Shape the Sticks: Cut into strips, twist them slightly, place on a baking tray, and bake until lightly brown.
13. For the Cheese Biscuits: Roll the dough thinly, brush with egg, sprinkle with grated semi-hard cheese.
14. Cut and Cook: Slice into desirable shapes, bake until cheese starts browning.
15. Observe Texture: Ensure pastries have the right crispness after baking.
16. Cook Evenly: Rotate trays during baking if necessary.
17. Cool Properly: Allow pastries to cool slightly before serving.
18. Serve Warm: These pastries are best enjoyed while warm.
19. Store: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for a few days.
20. Reheat: Warm in the oven before enjoying for that fresh-baked taste.

Tips

• Substitutions: Use butter if margarine is not available.
• Cheese Variation: Opt for cheddar or gouda for a different cheese flavor.
• Herbs: Experiment with adding herbs like dill or thyme for extra aroma.
• Cool Pastry Dough: The dough should remain cool during preparation for a flakier texture.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 280 per serving.
• Protein: 7 g
• Fats: 18 g
• Carbs: 22 g

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the meat with mushrooms or tofu.
• Vegan Alternative: Use plant-based margarine and cheese.
• Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes to the filling for a spicier note.

Serving Suggestions

• With Soup: Pair with a bowl of rich tomato or vegetable soup.
• Cheese Dip: Serve with a cheesy or mustard dip for added flavor.
• Fresh Greens: Accompany with a light salad for a refreshing contrast.

Best Places

1. Balthazar Restaurant - An upscale European-style dining experience serving exquisite pastries. Location: 80 Spring St, New York, USA.
2. Ladurée Paris - Known for its legendary pastries, offering a taste of Parisian elegance. Location: 16 Rue Royale, Paris, France.
3. Hafiz Musta Spices and Sweets - A historic venue offering a wide variety of traditional pastries. Location: Kemalpasazade Street, Istanbul, Turkey.
4. Konigsbacker - Famous for its traditional German pastry varieties. Location: Friedrich Street, Munich, Germany.
5. Antico Forno Roscioli - Renowned for its Italian pastries with classic flavors. Location: Via dei Chiavari 34, Rome, Italy.
6. Bellevue Bites & Brew - Offers delightful pastries with a modern twist. Location: 1409 Bellevue Ave, Seattle, USA.
7. Pasteleria Mallorca - An authentic St. Louis bakery known for delightful pastries. Location: Av. Dr. Fleming 14, Madrid, Spain.
8. Café Central - A traditional coffee house famous for its Viennese pastries. Location: Herrengasse 14, Vienna, Austria.
9. Tatte Bakery & Café - Offers a fusion of traditional and innovative pastries. Location: 399 Boylston St, Boston, USA.
10. Beard Papa’s Cream Puffs - World-renowned for their unique and flavorful cream puffs. Location: 745 Fort Street Mall, Honolulu, Hawaii.