Lithuanian Spinach and Cheese Pirukas

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
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 cup (120g) sour cream 1/2 cup (120g) sour cream
• 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash) 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups (120g) fresh spinach, chopped 4 cups (120g) fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup (150g) grated cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella) 1 cup (150g) grated cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 11g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 16g, 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt for the dough. Add the cold cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. 2.
   Add the sour cream to the flour mixture and mix until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a ball, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent.
4. 4.
   Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. 6.
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles from the dough.
7. 7.
   Place a spoonful of the spinach and cheese filling onto each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape and seal the edges by pressing with a fork.
8. 8.
   Arrange the pirukas on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg wash.
9. 9.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pirukas turn golden brown.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Spinach — Make sure to thoroughly wash the spinach leaves before chopping them. Remove any tough stems and dry the leaves well to prevent excess moisture in the filling.
• Cheese — Opt for a cheese that melts well, such as cheddar or mozzarella, to achieve a creamy filling.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more flavorful filling, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sautéed spinach.
• Experiment with different types of cheese to customize the flavor of the pirukas.
• Serve the pirukas with a dollop of sour cream or a side of tomato sauce for dipping.
• These pirukas can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven before serving.
• If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute the butter in the dough with vegetable shortening.

Serving advice

Serve the warm Spinach and Cheese Pirukas as an appetizer or snack. They can also be enjoyed as a light lunch or dinner alongside a fresh salad.

Presentation advice

Arrange the pirukas on a platter, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or dill. The golden-brown crust and the vibrant green filling will make for an inviting presentation.