Imagine biting into a golden, flaky phyllo bundle that crackles with every bite, revealing a luscious, creamy vegetable filling that dances on your taste buds. These Veggie Bundles are not just another appetizer – they're a culinary adventure that transforms simple vegetables into an irresistible gourmet experience. Whether you're a vegetarian looking for a show-stopping dish or a food lover craving something extraordinary, these crispy phyllo parcels will transport your senses to a world of flavor and texture that will leave you craving more.
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package (16 oz) phyllo dough
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, diced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the diced mushrooms and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and have released their moisture.
- Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for another 2 minutes until the spinach wilts. Remove the vegetable mixture from heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the cooked vegetable mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing thoroughly.
- Carefully unroll the phyllo dough and cover with a damp kitchen towel to prevent drying. Take 3-4 sheets of phyllo, brushing each layer lightly with melted butter or olive oil.
- Cut the layered phyllo sheets into 4-inch wide strips. Place a small spoonful of the vegetable and cream cheese mixture at one end of each strip.
- Fold the phyllo carefully, creating triangle-shaped bundles by folding the dough over the filling in a triangular pattern, similar to folding a flag.
- Brush the outside of each bundle with beaten egg, which will help create a golden, crispy exterior when baked.
- Arrange the phyllo bundles on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bundles are golden brown and crispy, rotating the baking sheet halfway through for even browning.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. The bundles can be served warm as an appetizer or light meal.
Tips
- Keep your phyllo dough covered with a damp towel to prevent drying and cracking.
- Use melted butter or olive oil sparingly between phyllo layers to maintain a light, crispy texture.
- Make sure your vegetable filling is cooled before assembling to prevent soggy dough.
- For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or basil to your vegetable mixture.
- If you're preparing these in advance, you can assemble the bundles and refrigerate them, then bake just before serving.
- Experiment with different vegetable combinations to customize your bundles.
- Serve immediately after baking for the crispiest texture and most vibrant flavors.
- Use a sharp knife to cut clean, even phyllo strips for uniform bundles.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 35mg
