Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 large eggplant, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1 package of pre-made puff pastry dough
- 1 egg, beaten
Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the eggplant slices with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
3. Arrange the eggplant slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned.
4. Remove the eggplant from the oven and let it cool.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together the crumbled goat cheese, chopped parsley, basil, and mint.
6. Roll out the puff pastry dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
7. Cut the dough into 3-inch circles using a cookie cutter or a glass.
8. Place a spoonful of the goat cheese mixture onto each circle of dough.
9. Top the goat cheese mixture with a slice of eggplant.
10. Fold the dough over the eggplant and pinch the edges together to seal.
11. Brush the tops of the pirags with the beaten egg.
12. Bake the pirags for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Temperature:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Serving size:
This recipe makes 12 pirags.
Nutritional information:
Calories: 210
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 220mg
Sugar: 1g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can substitute feta cheese for goat cheese.
- If you don't have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs instead.
Variations:
- You can add roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes to the goat cheese mixture.
- You can use zucchini or yellow squash instead of eggplant.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to slice the eggplant evenly so that it cooks evenly.
- Don't overfill the pirags, or they may burst open during baking.
- You can make the pirags ahead of time and freeze them before baking. Just thaw them before baking.
Storage instructions:
Store the pirags in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the pirags in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the pirags on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs.
Garnishes:
Fresh herbs, such as parsley, basil, or mint.
Pairings:
Serve the pirags with a green salad or a bowl of soup.
Suggested side dishes:
Roasted vegetables or a grain salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the pirags burst open during baking, try sealing the edges more tightly.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the eggplant thoroughly to avoid any risk of foodborne illness.
Food history:
Pirags are a traditional Latvian pastry that are typically filled with bacon and onion. This recipe puts a modern twist on the classic dish by using eggplant and goat cheese.
Flavor profiles:
The eggplant adds a savory, meaty flavor to the pirags, while the goat cheese adds a tangy, creamy flavor. The fresh herbs add a bright, fresh flavor.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the pirags as an appetizer or a light lunch.
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