Introduction

Welcome to a culinary delight that marries the indulgence of pastry with the health-conscious principles of a ketogenic diet: the Keto Spinach Stuffed Pastry. This savory pastry is a perfect low-carb alternative for those following a keto lifestyle, offering a rich, cheesy filling encased in a buttery, flaky crust. Ideal for a satisfying snack, a light lunch, or as an impressive appetizer, this recipe balances flavor and nutrition seamlessly.

Ingredients

For the Pastry Dough:

  • 1 ½ cups almond flour
  • ¼ cup coconut flour
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup cream cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the Spinach Filling:

  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pastry Dough:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of almond flour and ¼ cup of coconut flour. Whisk them together to blend.
    • In a microwave-safe bowl, melt ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup of cream cheese in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth.
    • Pour the melted cheese mixture into the flour mixture. Add 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ¼ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder, and 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter. Mix until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, you can chill it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes.
  2. Prepare the Spinach Filling:
    • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
    • Add 1 clove of minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
    • Add 2 cups of chopped fresh spinach to the skillet. Cook until wilted and all excess moisture has evaporated. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
    • In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach mixture with 1 cup of ricotta cheese, ½ cup of shredded Parmesan cheese, ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Stir until well combined.
  3. Assemble the Pastries:
    • On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to about ¼-inch thickness. This will help prevent sticking and make the dough easier to handle.
    • Cut the dough into squares or rectangles, depending on your preferred size for the pastries.
    • Place a generous spoonful of the spinach filling in the center of each dough square. Fold the edges over the filling to create a parcel or fold into a triangle, pinching the edges to seal.
    • Transfer the assembled pastries to the prepared baking sheet. If desired, brush the tops with a little melted butter or an egg wash for a golden finish.
  4. Bake the Pastries:
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and crispy. Check the pastries regularly towards the end of the baking time to ensure they do not over-brown.
  5. Cool and Serve:
    • Allow the pastries to cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. This will help them set and make them easier to handle.

Nutritional Information

  • Serving Size: 1 pastry (based on a batch of 8)
  • Calories: 220
  • Protein: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Net Carbs: 4g
  • Fat: 17g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Sugar: 2g

SmartPoints (WW) Information

For those on the Weight Watchers (WW) program, these Keto Spinach Stuffed Pastries offer a rich taste while being mindful of SmartPoints:

  • SmartPoints Value: 6 points per pastry (based on a batch of 8)
  • ZeroPoint Foods: Spinach and most of the spices used are considered ZeroPoint foods, which helps keep the overall SmartPoints value lower.

Useful Information

  1. Storage: These pastries can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the cooled pastries in a freezer-safe container or bag.
  2. Reheating: Reheat frozen pastries in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. For refrigerated pastries, reheat in the oven or a toaster oven to maintain the crispiness of the crust.
  3. Substitutions: For a dairy-free version, you can substitute vegan cheese for mozzarella and ricotta. Almond flour can be replaced with coconut flour for a slightly different texture, but be mindful of adjustments in quantity as coconut flour is more absorbent.
  4. Serving Suggestions: These pastries make a fantastic accompaniment to a fresh salad or a bowl of soup. They are also excellent as part of a brunch spread or served as a tasty appetizer at gatherings.
  5. Health Benefits: Spinach is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium. This low-carb pastry provides a good balance of protein and healthy fats, making it suitable for a keto diet while still being delicious.
  6. Preparation Tips: To make the dough easier to roll, ensure it is not too warm. If it becomes too sticky, refrigerate it for a short period. For an added touch, sprinkle some additional Parmesan cheese on top of the pastries before baking.

Conclusion

The Keto Spinach Stuffed Pastry is a versatile and delectable choice for anyone adhering to a ketogenic lifestyle or simply looking for a tasty low-carb treat. With its flaky crust and savory spinach filling, this pastry provides both satisfaction and nourishment. Enjoy it as a snack, a light meal, or an elegant appetizer, and savor the perfect blend of flavors and textures in every bite.