Spinach, Smoked Cheddar & Mushroom Pithivier

A Spinach, Smoked Cheddar, and Mushroom Pithivier is a savory pastry dish that features a rich combination of flavors and textures. The term “pithivier” refers to a type of traditional French pie made with puff pastry, typically filled with a variety of ingredients.

In this particular pithivier, the filling consists of three key components: spinach, smoked cheddar cheese, and mushrooms.

Spinach, known for its vibrant green color and mild taste, adds a fresh and slightly earthy flavor to the dish. It is often cooked or sautéed before being incorporated into the filling, ensuring that it becomes tender and releases its moisture.

Smoked cheddar cheese, with its distinct smoky and sharp flavors, brings depth and richness to the filling. The cheese is usually grated or cubed and evenly distributed throughout the mixture, allowing its flavors to permeate the dish as it bakes.

Mushrooms, such as cremini or button mushrooms, are another essential ingredient in this pithivier. They provide an earthy and slightly nutty taste, which complements the other components. Mushrooms are typically sliced or diced and cooked until they become tender and develop a deeper flavor profile.

The filling ingredients are combined and seasoned with herbs, spices, and sometimes garlic or onions to enhance the overall taste. Once the filling is prepared, it is then enclosed within layers of buttery puff pastry. The pastry is usually rolled out into a large circle, with the filling placed in the center. The edges of the pastry are then folded over the filling, creating a decorative pattern.

Before baking, the pithivier may be brushed with an egg wash, which adds a glossy finish and helps in achieving a golden-brown crust. It is then baked in the oven until the pastry turns flaky and crispy, and the filling is cooked through.

The end result is a visually appealing dish with a golden-brown, puffed pastry exterior that encases a flavorful mixture of spinach, smoked cheddar cheese, and mushrooms. The combination of the savory ingredients creates a delicious and satisfying meal or appetizer, showcasing the wonderful flavors of this classic French pastry.

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 2 sheets of puff pastry, thawed
• 200g fresh spinach leaves
• 200g mushrooms (cremini or button), sliced
• 150g smoked cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Preparation:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.
3. Add the mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they release their moisture and become tender. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Season with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and dried oregano.
4. Once the mushrooms are cooked, add the spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one sheet of puff pastry into a large circle or rectangle, about 1/8-inch thick. Place it on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Spread the cooled mushroom, spinach, and onion mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a border of about 1 inch around the edges.
7. Sprinkle the grated smoked cheddar cheese over the filling.
8. Roll out the second sheet of puff pastry to a similar size as the first one. Carefully place it over the filling, aligning the edges with the bottom layer. Press the edges together to seal.
9. Use a sharp knife to make decorative cuts or patterns on the top layer of puff pastry, allowing steam to escape during baking. Brush the entire pithivier with the beaten egg wash.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the pastry turns golden brown and puffed.
11. Once baked, remove the pithivier from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

This delicious Spinach, Smoked Cheddar & Mushroom Pithivier makes a fantastic main course or a delightful appetizer for a gathering of four. Enjoy the flavorsome combination of the filling encased in flaky puff pastry!