Sun-Dried Tomato and Lamb Strudel

This savory sun-dried tomato and lamb strudel offers a delightful fusion of flavors wrapped in delicate filo pastry. Perfect for a dinner party or a family meal, the strudel is filled with a rich mix of fresh lamb, earthy shiitake mushrooms, and a variety of cheeses. The aromatic spices and sun-dried tomatoes bring out the depth of the lamb, making this dish a showstopper. Preparing the strudel is a rewarding process, involving gentle sautéing and layering of the ingredients into a flaky pastry. The result is a beautifully golden-brown strudel, its crispy exterior giving way to a savory, cheesy filling. Served warm, it pairs well with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. Whether you're catering to a gourmet palate or indulging in comfort food, this recipe never fails to impress. With preparation and cooking taking under an hour, it’s a great addition to any culinary repertoire.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 500 g fresh ground lamb
• 100 g shiitake mushrooms
• 100 g onions
• 150 ml Santa Maria Spicy World sun-dried tomato
• 100 g black olives, chopped
• 200 g goat cheese
• 100 g mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Filo pastry (ready-made, frozen)

Spices:

• Santa Maria stone-ground salt and black pepper mix
• 1 tsp Santa Maria rosemary
• 1 tsp Santa Maria basil
• 1/2 tsp Santa Maria Chili Explosion spice mix

Sauces and Oils:

• 6 tbsp olive oil (1 tbsp for filling, 5 tbsp for pastry layers)

Preparation Time

Total: 50 minutes (including preparation and cooking)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Filling: In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the shiitake mushrooms and onions, sauté until the onions become translucent and the mushrooms are tender.
2. Cook the Lamb: Add the ground lamb to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until the lamb is browned and cooked through.
3. Season and Cool: Sprinkle the mixture with the salt and pepper mix, stir well, and remove from heat. Allow it to cool for about 10 minutes.
4. Mix in Additional Ingredients: Once cooled, combine the lamb mixture with the sun-dried tomatoes, black olives, goat cheese, mozzarella cheese, rosemary, basil, and chili spice.
5. Prepare the Filo Pastry: Lay out a sheet of filo dough on a baking paper. Brush it with olive oil, then layer another sheet on top. Repeat this process until you have 6 layers of filo, each brushed with olive oil.
6. Add Filling: Spread the lamb mixture evenly over the filo layers, leaving an inch gap around the edges.
7. Roll the Strudel: Carefully roll the filo dough and filling into a tight, oval strudel shape. Ensure the seam is on the bottom to maintain the shape during baking.
8. Bake the Strudel: Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F). Place the strudel on a baking tray and bake for 25 minutes or until the pastry turns golden brown.
9. Serve: Remove from the oven, allow to cool slightly, then slice into generous pieces and serve warm. Enjoy your flavorful creation!

Tips

• Substitutions: You can replace lamb with beef or chicken for different flavor profiles.
• For Crispier Filo: Use clarified butter instead of olive oil for brushing the filo layers.
• Presentation Tip: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added color.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 per serving
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbs: 15g

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute lamb with a mixture of sautéed zucchini and eggplant for a vegetarian strudel.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pastry sheets instead of standard filo for those sensitive to gluten.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a fresh garden salad or roasted Mediterranean vegetables.
• A chilled glass of white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc) complements the flavors beautifully.

Best Places

1. Cheese & Wine - Known for its exceptional strudel varieties and wine pairings. Location: Vienna, Austria
2. The Strudel House - A cozy spot offering amazing strudels and coffee. Location: Budapest, Hungary
3. Baker’s Cafe - Offers a range of pastries, including savory options. Location: Melbourne, Australia
4. Artsy Bakery - Famed for artisanal baking techniques and creative strudel fillings. Location: New York, USA
5. Koffee Kup Bakery - Traditional bakers specializing in both sweet and savory strudels. Location: Wisconsin, USA
6. Pastry Paradise - Boasts a menu full of international pastry favorites. Location: London, UK
7. Café Central - A historic café with a reputation for fabulous desserts. Location: Vienna, Austria
8. Flaky Delights - Known for its innovative take on classic pastries. Location: Toronto, Canada
9. The Strudel Factory - Crafting a perfect balance of flavors in every strudel. Location: Munich, Germany
10. Sweet Layers - Combines modern culinary methods with traditional recipes. Location: Paris, France