Plăcintă Aromână with Feta Cheese and Spinach

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) 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 (120ml) cold water 1/2 cup (120ml) cold water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 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) feta cheese, crumbled 1 cup (150g) feta cheese, crumbled
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 20g (12g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 26g (2g sugars)
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the cold water 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 translucent.
4. 4.
   Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and let it cool.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
6. 6.
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a thin circle.
7. 7.
   Spread the cooled spinach mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a border around the edges.
8. 8.
   Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the spinach mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. 9.
   Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, creating a rustic crust.
10. 10.
    Brush the beaten egg over the crust for a golden finish.
11. 11.
    Transfer the Plăcintă Aromână to a baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
12. 12.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Feta cheese — Use a good quality feta cheese for the best flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, you can soak the feta cheese in water for 30 minutes before using it in the recipe.

Tips & Tricks

• To save time, you can use store-bought pastry dough instead of making it from scratch.
• Experiment with different fillings such as mushrooms, leeks, or roasted red peppers to add variety to the Plăcintă Aromână.
• Serve the Plăcintă Aromână warm or at room temperature for the best taste and texture.
• This dish pairs well with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a side salad for a complete meal.
• Leftover Plăcintă Aromână can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for a quick and delicious snack.

Serving advice

Serve the Plăcintă Aromână as a main course accompanied by a fresh salad or as an appetizer for a gathering. Cut it into wedges or squares for easy serving.

Presentation advice

Present the Plăcintă Aromână on a wooden cutting board or a decorative platter. Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or dill to add a pop of color.