Soft Stuffed Pastries with Cheese & Spinach

Light, fluffy, and golden pastries filled with creamy spinach and cheese — perfect for beginners!

✅ Ingredients (Makes about 12 medium pastries)

🔸 For the Dough:
 • 3 cups all-purpose flour (360g)
 • 1 tbsp sugar
 • 1 tsp instant yeast
 • 1 tsp salt
 • ¾ cup warm milk (180ml)
 • ¼ cup warm water (60ml)
 • ¼ cup vegetable oil (60ml)
 • 1 egg
 • 1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp milk for brushing

🔸 For the Filling:
 • 1 cup chopped spinach (fresh or frozen – drained well)
 • ½ cup feta cheese (or any soft white cheese)
 • ½ cup shredded mozzarella
 • Pinch of black pepper
 • Optional: a pinch of nutmeg or chili flakes

⏱️ Step-by-Step Instructions

🔹 1. Prepare the Dough:
 1. In a large bowl, mix warm milk + warm water + sugar + yeast.
➜ Let sit 10 minutes until foamy.
 2. Add the egg, oil, and salt. Mix well.
 3. Gradually add the flour while mixing, until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
 4. Knead for 8–10 minutes by hand (or 5 mins with mixer).
 5. Cover the bowl and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.

🔹 2. Prepare the Filling:
 1. Mix spinach (make sure it’s dry) with feta and mozzarella.
 2. Add black pepper (and nutmeg or chili flakes if desired).
 3. Mix well and set aside.

🔹 3. Shape the Pastries:
 1. After the dough rises, divide it into 12 equal balls.
 2. Roll each ball into an oval or round shape about ½ cm thick.
 3. Place 1 tablespoon of filling in the center.
 4. Fold the dough over (like a semi-circle or boat shape), and press edges to seal — you can use a fork.

🔹 4. Final Rise & Brushing:
 1. Place pastries on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
 2. Cover and let them rest for 20–30 minutes for a second rise (this makes them extra fluffy!).
 3. Brush the tops with the egg yolk + milk mixture.
 4. Optional: sprinkle sesame seeds or nigella seeds (black seeds) on top.

🔹 5. Bake:
 • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
 • Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

✅ Serving Tips:
 • Serve warm with tea or soup.
 • Can be stored in the fridge and reheated.
 • You can also freeze them after baking!