stuffed pastry

Stuffed pastries are a delightful treat enjoyed in various cuisines around the world. Here’s a recipe for making delicious stuffed pastries filled with a savory or sweet filling:

Ingredients for Pastry Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
• 1/2 cup cold water

Ingredients for Savory Filling:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken (or your choice of cooked protein)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite melting cheese)
• Optional: chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, or cilantro)

Ingredients for Sweet Filling:

• 1 cup fruit filling (such as apple, cherry, or mixed berries)
• 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste based on sweetness of fruit)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening fruit filling)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the pastry dough by combining the flour and salt in a mixing bowl. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Gradually add cold water to the flour-butter mixture, a little at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. You may not need to use all the water. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. While the dough chills, prepare your desired filling. For the savory filling, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and garlic until translucent. Add the cooked shredded chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until heated through. Stir in the shredded cheese and optional fresh herbs. Remove from heat and let the filling cool.
4. For the sweet filling, combine the fruit filling, sugar, and cornstarch-water mixture in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring gently, until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool.
5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. On a floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut out circles of dough.
7. Place a spoonful of your desired filling (savory or sweet) in the center of 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. Place the stuffed pastries on the prepared baking sheet. Optionally, brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the pastries are golden brown and cooked through.
10. Remove from the oven and let the pastries cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade stuffed pastries as a snack, appetizer, or dessert!

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