Latin American Malathropita

Ingredients

In this Latin American adaptation of Malathropita, the traditional Greek ingredients are replaced with Latin American flavors. The original dish typically includes ingredients like feta cheese, spinach, and dill, which are substituted with ground beef, black beans, and corn. The spices are also adjusted to incorporate Latin American flavors, such as cumin, chili powder, and paprika. These modifications result in a dish that showcases the vibrant and bold flavors of Latin American cuisine while still maintaining the essence of the original Malathropita. We alse have the original recipe for Malathropita, so you can check it out.

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1 cup (200g) black beans, cooked and drained 1 cup (200g) black beans, cooked and drained
• 1 cup (150g) corn kernels 1 cup (150g) corn kernels
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 package (400g) puff pastry sheets, thawed 1 package (400g) puff pastry sheets, thawed
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 3g
• Protein: 22g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°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 cook until the onion is translucent.
4. 4.
   Stir in the black beans, corn kernels, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and let the filling cool.
5. 5.
   Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut the pastry into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.
6. 6.
   Spoon a generous amount of the filling onto one half of each pastry square. Fold the other half over the filling and press the edges together to seal.
7. 7.
   Place the filled pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the beaten egg wash.
8. 8.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let the Malathropita cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken if desired.
• Black beans — If using canned black beans, make sure to rinse them thoroughly before adding to the filling.
• Puff pastry — Ensure that the puff pastry sheets are fully thawed before using to prevent uneven baking.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to the filling.
• Serve the Malathropita with a side of fresh salsa or guacamole for a burst of freshness.
• Experiment with different spices and herbs to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
• Make mini versions of the Malathropita by cutting the puff pastry into smaller squares and reducing the baking time accordingly.
• Leftover Malathropita can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for a quick and delicious meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Latin American Malathropita as a main dish accompanied by a fresh green salad or a side of rice and beans. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley for added freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Malathropita on a platter, allowing the golden pastry to showcase its flaky layers. Sprinkle some paprika or cumin on top for an extra touch of color. Serve with a side of salsa or guacamole for dipping.