Savory Stuffed Pastries with Vegetables and Cheese

Savory Stuffed Pastries with Vegetables and Cheese

Ingredients:

**For the Dough:**
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons instant yeast
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 cup warm water (more as needed)

**For the Filling:**
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
– 1 cup diced zucchini
– 1/2 cup diced onions
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil

**For the Topping:**
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– 2 tablespoons sesame seeds or nigella seeds (optional)

Instructions:

1. **Prepare the Dough:**
– In a large bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
– Add the olive oil and warm water, mixing until a dough forms.
– Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic.
– Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

2. **Prepare the Filling:**
– In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
– Add the diced bell peppers, zucchini, and onions. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
– Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, until fragrant.
– Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
– Once cooled, stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.

3. **Assemble the Pastries:**
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
– Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
– Roll each piece of dough into a rectangle on a floured surface.
– Place a spoonful of the vegetable and cheese filling in the center of each rectangle.
– Fold the sides of the dough over the filling and pinch to seal. Place the filled pastries seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

4. **Add the Topping:**
– Brush the tops of the pastries with the beaten egg.
– Sprinkle with sesame seeds or nigella seeds, if desired.

5. **Bake the Pastries:**
– Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown.

6. **Serve:**
– Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Savory Stuffed Pastries with Vegetables and Cheese!