Forget takeout! These savory pinwheel pastries are about to become your weeknight hero. They’re incredibly easy on the wallet, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to have your neighbors knocking on your door for the recipe (don’t worry, we won’t tell them your secret weapon is this handy guide!).
These delightful pastries boast a simple yet satisfying dough, generously filled with a savory onion mixture. The best part? You can customize the spice level to suit your taste buds, making them perfect for everyone from spice enthusiasts to those who prefer a milder flavor.
So ditch the delivery menus and gather your ingredients. It’s time to create a batch of these irresistible treats that are as easy to make as they are delicious to devour!
Ingredients:
- For the Dough:
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast (2 g) – Freshness is key for active yeast!
- 2 cups warm water (400 ml) – Aim for a temperature around 105°F (40°C) to activate the yeast.
- 1 teaspoon salt (6 g)
- 5 cups all-purpose flour (550 g)
- For Greasing:
- 140 g butter, softened – Softened butter ensures even coating on the dough.
- For the Filling:
- 6-7 tablespoons olive oil – High-quality olive oil adds a touch of richness.
- 2 onions, chopped – The base of our flavorful filling.
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (2 g) (adjust for spice preference) – Feel free to adjust the amount for your heat preference!
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (4 g)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (4 g) (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon salt (4 g)
Instructions:
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Waking Up the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water (around 105°F or 40°C) with the yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy. This activation process is crucial for a light and fluffy dough.
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Dry Ingredient Duos: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Combining these dry ingredients beforehand ensures even distribution throughout the dough.
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Knead to Know: Add the flour mixture to the yeast mixture. Using a dough whisk or a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment, knead the dough for about 5-10 minutes by hand or 3-4 minutes with a stand mixer. The dough should become smooth and elastic. Patience is key here – proper kneading develops the dough’s structure.
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First Rise, Big Dreams: Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning it to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size. Find a draft-free spot for optimal rising.
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Flavorful Foundation: While the dough is busy rising, heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. This caramelization adds depth to the overall flavor. Stir in the chili flakes, black pepper flakes, red pepper flakes (adjust the amount for your desired spice level), and salt. Cook for another minute, until fragrant.
More Info:
- Don’t have active dry yeast? No problem! You can substitute with 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) of instant yeast. However, instant yeast doesn’t require separate activation, so you can add it directly to the flour mixture in step 2.
- Feeling adventurous? Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or oregano to the filling for an extra burst of flavor.
- Leftover cooked vegetables? Don’t toss them! Sauteed peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can be incorporated into the filling for a delicious twist.
Conclusion:
These savory pinwheel pastries are a recipe treasure. They’re a cinch to make, kind to your budget, and sure to leave everyone asking for more. So preheat your oven, gather your loved ones, and get ready to create a crowd-pleasing masterpiece!