Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 package of phyllo dough
- 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Pastry brush
- Muffin tin
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the crumbled feta cheese and diced red bell pepper together.
3. Cut the phyllo dough into squares that are approximately 4 inches (10 cm) in size.
4. Brush each square with olive oil.
5. Place two squares on top of each other, rotating them slightly to create a star shape.
6. Place the phyllo dough star into a muffin tin, pressing it down to create a cup shape.
7. Fill each phyllo cup with the feta cheese and red bell pepper mixture.
8. Sprinkle salt and pepper on top of each coșuleț.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the phyllo dough is golden brown and crispy.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Temperature:
375°F (190°C)
Serving size:
Makes 12 coșulețe
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 120
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Protein: 3g
Sodium: 200mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Feta cheese can be substituted with goat cheese or ricotta cheese.
- Red bell pepper can be substituted with any color bell pepper or roasted tomatoes.
Variations:
- Add chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or dill to the feta cheese mixture for extra flavor.
- Add chopped cooked bacon or prosciutto to the feta cheese mixture for a meaty twist.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to brush each layer of phyllo dough with olive oil to ensure a crispy texture.
- If the phyllo dough is too dry, cover it with a damp towel while working with it to prevent it from cracking.
- Serve the coșulețe warm for the best flavor and texture.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover coșulețe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the coșulețe in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the coșulețe on a platter with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for a colorful presentation.
Garnishes:
- Garnish with chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or dill for extra flavor.
Pairings:
- Serve with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
Suggested side dishes:
- Serve with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the phyllo dough cups are not holding their shape, try using more layers of phyllo dough or pressing the dough down more firmly into the muffin tin.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and any utensils used in the preparation of this recipe to prevent cross-contamination.
Food history:
- Coșulețe cu Branză și Ardei is a traditional Romanian appetizer that is commonly served at parties and gatherings.
Flavor profiles:
- The coșulețe are savory and slightly salty from the feta cheese, with a sweet and slightly spicy flavor from the red bell pepper.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the coșulețe as an appetizer or snack before a meal.
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Region: Romanian