Lastavičje gnijezdo (Swallow's Nest)

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 200g (7 oz) feta cheese, crumbled 200g (7 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Nutrition

• Calories: 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat: 30g (12g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 20g (2g sugars)
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. 3.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until the onion is translucent.
4. 4.
   Stir in the paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. 5.
   Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
6. 6.
   Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to a rectangular shape.
7. 7.
   Spread the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the pastry, leaving a border around the edges.
8. 8.
   Spoon the ground beef mixture over the feta cheese, spreading it evenly.
9. 9.
   Carefully roll the pastry, starting from one of the longer sides, into a log shape.
10. 10.
    Place the rolled pastry on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, seam side down.
11. 11.
    Brush the pastry with the beaten egg to give it a golden color when baked.
12. 12.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crispy.
13. 13.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Puff pastry — Make sure to thaw the puff pastry according to the package instructions before using it. This will ensure that it rolls out easily and bakes evenly.
• Feta cheese — Use a good quality feta cheese for the best flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, you can substitute it with a different type of cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture.
• Serve Lastavičje gnijezdo with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added creaminess.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or mushrooms.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the filling according to your taste preferences.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Serving advice

Lastavičje gnijezdo is best served warm, straight from the oven. Slice it into thick pieces and serve as a main course alongside a fresh green salad or pickled vegetables. It can also be enjoyed as a delicious appetizer or finger food at parties and gatherings.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of Lastavičje gnijezdo, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or thyme over the sliced pieces. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish. Serve it on a platter or individual plates, allowing the golden pastry and savory filling to take center stage.