Ingredients

Meat Filling

• 300 grams minced meat
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground dry garlic
• 70 grams of flour
• 2 tablespoons of tomato sauce
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• ½ onion, diced (for additional vegetable mix)
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1 red Bulgarian pepper, diced
• Bunch of dill and parsley, chopped

Pastry and Sauce

• 450 grams puff pastry (without yeast)
• 50 grams butter
• 70 grams butter (for sauce)
• 100 grams cheese, grated (of your choice, such as mozzarella or cheddar)
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon sour cream
• 1 tablespoon tomato sauce
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Flour, for dusting and rolling pastry

Instructions

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Calories per serving: ~300 kcal

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine minced meat, two eggs, salt, black pepper, paprika, and ground dry garlic. Mix until well incorporated.
2. Sprinkle in the flour and add 2 tablespoons of tomato sauce. Stir well to combine.
3. In a pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until translucent.
4. Add the diced half onion, grated carrot, and diced red Bulgarian pepper to the pan, cooking until softened.
5. Allow the vegetables to cool slightly, then fold them into the meat mixture. Add chopped dill and parsley for extra flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry 6. Lightly dust your work surface with flour and roll out the puff pastry to a 1/8-inch thickness. 7. Cut the pastry into large rectangles (about 4×6 inches) to create individual meat rolls.

Step 3: Assemble the Meat Rolls 8. Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 9. Place a generous scoop of the meat filling onto each pastry rectangle, spreading it evenly, leaving a border around the edges. 10. Add a small sprinkle of grated cheese over the meat filling. 11. Fold the pastry over the filling and pinch the edges to seal, then press down with a fork for a decorative edge. 12. Brush each roll with beaten egg for a golden crust, then place on the baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake the Pastry Rolls 13. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed, and the filling is cooked through.

Step 5: Prepare the Garlic Herb Sauce 14. In a small saucepan, melt 70 grams of butter over low heat. 15. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. 16. Remove from heat and stir in mayonnaise, sour cream, remaining tomato sauce, salt, black pepper, and a touch of sugar. Mix well until smooth. 17. Garnish with chopped dill and parsley for a fresh, herby touch.

Step 6: Serve 18. Allow the pastry rolls to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with the garlic herb sauce on the side.

Why This Recipe is Timeless

This Savory Puff Pastry Meat Rolls with Garlic Herb Sauce recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors that stand the test of time. Puff pastry has been cherished for centuries for its light, buttery layers that enhance both sweet and savory fillings. Paired with spiced meat and cheese, this classic dish showcases the comforting flavors of home cooking, while the creamy garlic sauce adds a layer of decadence. This recipe’s adaptability makes it timeless; whether enjoyed as a meal, snack, or appetizer, it continues to bring warmth and satisfaction to family tables across generations.

The use of simple, readily available ingredients ensures this dish can be recreated anywhere, regardless of season or occasion. These pastry rolls represent a balance of tradition and versatility, reminding us of the power of comfort food to bring people together.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: ~300 kcal
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 500mg
• Calcium: 10% DV
• Iron: 15% DV

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I prepare these pastry rolls in advance?
Yes! You can prepare and assemble the rolls in advance and refrigerate them overnight. When you’re ready to bake, simply brush them with the egg wash and bake as directed.

2. What other fillings can I use?
You can replace the minced meat with ground chicken, turkey, or even a vegetarian filling such as mushrooms, spinach, and cheese.

3. Can I freeze these meat rolls?
Yes, the assembled, unbaked rolls can be frozen for up to a month. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then store them in a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

4. How can I make this recipe healthier?
Use lean minced meat, reduce the amount of cheese, or opt for a whole-wheat puff pastry to make the rolls slightly healthier.

Tips for Making Perfect Meat Rolls

• Choose the Right Cheese: Go for a hard cheese like mozzarella, cheddar, or Gouda for a nice melting effect and added flavor.
• Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the pastry, as it could burst open while baking.
• Seal the Pastry Well: Use a fork to press down on the edges for a secure seal to prevent filling leaks.
• Serve with a Side Salad: These rolls pair well with a fresh side salad of lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers for a complete meal.

Storage Tips

Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes to restore the pastry’s crispness.

Freezing: To freeze, assemble the rolls but do not bake them. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag. When ready to bake, cook them from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

The Savory Puff Pastry Meat Rolls with Garlic Herb Sauce is a delightful recipe that combines rustic flavors with the elegance of puff pastry. Each bite brings together the buttery crispness of pastry, the savory spiced meat, and the creamy richness of the garlic herb sauce. With this recipe, you can enjoy a dish that’s comforting and versatile, perfect for various occasions. The layers of flavor and texture make it memorable, while the familiar ingredients give it a homestyle appeal. Whether served as a main dish or appetizer, these meat rolls are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. With simple ingredient swaps, it can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. The recipe allows you to experiment with flavors and fillings, making it a creative yet dependable choice. Enjoy the timeless appeal of these savory pastry rolls, bringing warmth and satisfaction to every table.