Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Special equipment needed:
- Rolling pin
- 3-inch round cookie cutter
- Deep-fry thermometer
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add the chilled butter to the bowl and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add the cold water to the bowl and mix until the dough comes together.
4. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead a few times until it is smooth.
5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
6. In a separate bowl, mix together the chopped spinach, crumbled feta cheese, scallions, parsley, and black pepper.
7. Preheat the vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F.
8. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
9. Use the cookie cutter to cut out circles of dough.
10. Place a spoonful of the spinach and feta mixture in the center of each circle.
11. Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges together to seal.
12. Use a fork to crimp the edges of the tortas fritas.
13. Brush the beaten egg over the tops of the tortas fritas.
14. Carefully place the tortas fritas in the hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
15. Remove the tortas fritas from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
16. Serve warm.
Time:
Preparation time: 45 minutes
Cooking time: 6-8 minutes
Temperature:
Vegetable oil should be preheated to 350°F for frying.
Serving size:
This recipe makes about 12 tortas fritas.
Nutritional information:
Each torta frita contains approximately 220 calories, 14g fat, 18g carbohydrates, 5g protein, and 1g fiber.
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Whole wheat flour can be substituted for all-purpose flour.
- Chopped kale or arugula can be substituted for spinach.
- Goat cheese or queso fresco can be substituted for feta cheese.
- Chopped chives or red onion can be substituted for scallions.
- Chopped cilantro or basil can be substituted for parsley.
Variations:
- Add cooked and crumbled bacon or sausage to the spinach and feta mixture.
- Use different types of cheese, such as shredded cheddar or grated Parmesan.
- Add diced tomatoes or roasted red peppers to the spinach and feta mixture.
- Serve with a dipping sauce, such as tzatziki or marinara.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is chilled and cubed before adding it to the flour mixture.
- Don't overwork the dough when kneading, as this can make it tough.
- Use a deep-fry thermometer to ensure the oil stays at the correct temperature.
- Drain excess oil from the tortas fritas on a paper towel-lined plate before serving.
Storage instructions:
Tortas fritas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat tortas fritas, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the tortas fritas on a platter and sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro.
Garnishes:
Garnish with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of paprika.
Pairings:
Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Suggested side dishes:
- Greek salad
- Roasted asparagus
- Grilled zucchini
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a little more water.
- If the tortas fritas are not sealing properly, brush a little water around the edges before pressing them together.
- If the tortas fritas are not browning evenly, adjust the heat of the oil.
Food safety advice:
- Use caution when working with hot oil.
- Make sure the tortas fritas are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are safe to eat.
Food history:
Tortas fritas are a traditional Argentinean snack that are typically made with a simple dough and fried until crispy.
Flavor profiles:
These spinach and feta tortas fritas have a savory, cheesy flavor with a hint of freshness from the spinach and herbs.
Serving suggestions:
Serve these tortas fritas as an appetizer or snack, or as part of a larger meal.
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