Moroccan-inspired Roccoco with Spiced Lamb

Ingredients

In this Moroccan-inspired version of Roccoco, the traditional Italian filling is replaced with a spiced lamb mixture. The original Italian Roccoco typically features ingredients like cheese, vegetables, or cured meats. Additionally, the Moroccan version incorporates a blend of aromatic spices such as cumin, coriander, paprika, and cinnamon, which are not commonly found in the original Italian recipe. We alse have the original recipe for Roccoco, so you can check it out.

• 2 sheets of puff pastry (400g) 2 sheets of puff pastry (400g)
• 500g ground lamb 500g ground lamb
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

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

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the ground lamb to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
4. 4.
   Stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the spices to release their flavors.
5. 5.
   Roll out the puff pastry sheets and cut them into circles using a round cookie cutter or a glass.
6. 6.
   Place a spoonful of the spiced lamb mixture onto each pastry circle. Fold the pastry over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges together to seal.
7. 7.
   Place the filled pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. 8.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crispy.
9. 9.
   Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Puff pastry — Ensure that the puff pastry is thawed before rolling it out. If it becomes too soft, refrigerate it for a few minutes to make it easier to work with.
• Ground lamb — Choose lean ground lamb for a healthier option. If you prefer a stronger lamb flavor, you can use a combination of ground lamb and ground beef.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice to the spiced lamb mixture before filling the pastries.
• If you prefer a milder spice level, reduce the amount of ground cumin and paprika in the recipe.
• Serve the Moroccan-inspired Roccoco with a side of mint yogurt sauce for a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors.
• If you're short on time, you can use store-bought puff pastry instead of making it from scratch.
• Experiment with different shapes for the pastries, such as triangles or squares, to add visual interest to your presentation.

Serving advice

Serve the Moroccan-inspired Roccoco as an appetizer at a Moroccan-themed dinner party or as part of a mezze platter. Alternatively, pair it with a fresh salad for a light lunch or dinner option.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Moroccan-inspired Roccoco on a platter, garnished with fresh parsley. The golden-brown pastries will be visually appealing and inviting. Consider serving them alongside traditional Moroccan decor, such as patterned tablecloths or colorful ceramic plates, to enhance the overall presentation.