Monégasque Barbagiuan

Ingredients

• For the dough: For the dough:
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup (120ml) water 1/2 cup (120ml) water
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 1 bunch Swiss chard, finely chopped 1 bunch Swiss chard, finely chopped
• 1 cup (250g) ricotta cheese 1 cup (250g) ricotta cheese
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh marjoram, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh marjoram, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• For frying: For frying:
• Vegetable oil Vegetable oil

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 9g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 19g, 1g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt for the dough. Make a well in the center and add the olive oil and water. Mix until a smooth dough forms. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, combine the Swiss chard, ricotta cheese, onion, parsley, marjoram, nutmeg, salt, and pepper for the filling. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. 3.
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut the dough into small squares or circles, approximately 3 inches in diameter.
4. 4.
   Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each dough square. Fold the dough over to form a triangle and seal the edges by pressing them together firmly.
5. 5.
   In a deep pan or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (180°C). Carefully place the Barbagiuan in the hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.
6. 6.
   Serve the Monégasque Barbagiuan warm as an appetizer or part of a light meal. Enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Swiss chard — Make sure to remove the tough stems before finely chopping the leaves for the filling.
• Ricotta cheese — Use a good quality ricotta cheese for a creamy and flavorful filling.

Tips & Tricks

• For a twist, you can add a small amount of grated Parmesan cheese to the filling for an extra burst of flavor.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the Barbagiuan instead of frying them. Simply brush them with olive oil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Serving advice

Serve the Monégasque Barbagiuan warm as an appetizer or as part of a light meal. They pair well with a fresh green salad and a glass of chilled white wine.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden Barbagiuan on a platter, garnished with a sprig of fresh parsley or marjoram. The vibrant colors of the filling will be visually appealing, enticing your guests to indulge in these delightful pastries.