Savory and Delicious Meatless Turnovers Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups diced vegetables (such as mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
  • 1 package (14 ounces) ready-made puff pastry
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cooked chickpeas
  • 1 teaspoon dried mixed herbs (like oregano, thyme)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon flour, for dusting
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  3. Add the diced vegetables and minced garlic to the pan, sauté until the vegetables are softened.
  4. Add the chickpeas, dried herbs, salt, and pepper to the pan and stir well to combine.
  5. Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
  6. Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface and cut into squares (about 4x4 inches).
  7. Place a spoonful of the vegetable mixture in the center of each square, then top it with shredded cheese.
  8. Fold the pastry over the filling to form a triangle, pressing the edges together to seal. You can crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative finish.
  9. Brush the top of each turnover with beaten egg for a glossy finish.
  10. Bake the turnovers for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
  11. Allow the turnovers to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tools for making

  • Baking sheet - used for baking the turnovers in the oven.
  • Parchment paper - provides a non-stick surface and makes cleanup easier.
  • Large pan - used for sautéing the vegetables and chickpeas.
  • Rolling pin - used to roll out the puff pastry dough.
  • Knife - for dicing the vegetables and cutting the puff pastry.
  • Cutting board - provides a surface for chopping and preparing ingredients.
  • Spoon - for stirring the vegetable mixture.
  • Pastry brush - used to brush beaten egg on top of the turnovers for a glossy finish.
  • Fork - optional, can be used to crimp the edges of the turnovers for a decorative finish.
  • Flour - for dusting the work surface and preventing dough from sticking.

Recipe variations

  • Use a whole wheat or gluten-free pastry crust for a healthier or gluten-free option.
  • Experiment with different vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or sweet potatoes.
  • Add protein-rich ingredients like cooked lentils or tofu to the vegetable filling.
  • Try different types of cheese such as feta, goat cheese, or vegan cheese alternatives.
  • Add additional seasonings or spices like paprika, cumin, or chili flakes to spice up the filling.
  • Include a sauce or dip to serve alongside the turnovers, such as tzatziki, salsa, or marinara sauce.
  • For a sweeter variation, use fruits like apples or berries as the filling and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.
  • Make mini turnovers by using smaller squares of puff pastry and adjusting the baking time accordingly.
  • Add nuts or seeds like almonds, walnuts, or sesame seeds for extra crunch and flavor.
  • Create a Mediterranean-inspired variation by adding olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese to the filling.

Recipe overview

Treat yourself with these savory Meatless Turnovers - they're light, fulfilling, and incredibly delicious. This recipe uses a mix of flavorful vegetables and protein-packed chickpeas, sealed within a golden, flaky puff pastry crust. Sprinkled with cheese and seasoned with herbs, these turnovers are perfect as a light meal or a tasty snack. Enjoy the process of sautéing your veggies, filling the pastry, and watching it transform into a beautiful golden turnover in the oven. It's a fun, satisfying, and simple cooking experience that ends in a scrumptious treat. With each bite, you can expect a burst of hearty flavors and a delightful crunch. Whether you're a vegetarian or just exploring meatless options, these turnovers are sure to impress!

Common questions

  1. Can I use different vegetables? Yes, you can use a variety of vegetables in this recipe. Mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions are suggested, but feel free to use any vegetables of your choice.
  2. Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! Cheddar and mozzarella are recommended, but you can use any shredded cheese that melts well, such as Swiss or pepper jack.
  3. Can I make my own puff pastry? While this recipe calls for ready-made puff pastry for convenience, you can certainly make your own puff pastry from scratch if you prefer.
  4. Do I need to pre-cook the vegetables? No, the vegetables will soften and cook through during the baking process. Sautéing them briefly beforehand helps enhance their flavors.
  5. Can I make these turnovers ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the turnovers ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Just make sure to brush them with the egg wash right before baking.
  6. Can I freeze these turnovers? Absolutely! Once baked, you can freeze the turnovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven until heated through.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Baking sheet - Used to bake the turnovers in the oven.
  • Parchment paper - Placed on the baking sheet to prevent the turnovers from sticking.
  • Large pan - Used to sauté the vegetables and garlic.
  • Spoon - Used to stir the vegetable mixture.
  • Floured surface - Provides a surface for rolling out the puff pastry.
  • Knife - Used to cut the puff pastry into squares.
  • Fork - Optional; used to crimp the edges of the turnovers.
  • Pastry brush - Used to brush the beaten egg on top of the turnovers for a glossy finish.

Origin stories

Turnovers, in general, have a rich history that spans across many cultures. These versatile pastries originated in ancient times and have since been adopted by many cuisines with regional variations. The concept of stuffing a filling into dough and baking it is universal - from Cornish pasties in the United Kingdom, to Empanadas in South America, and Samosas in India. The meatless turnover we're making today is a modern twist on this age-old concept, offering a vegetarian alternative. Its ingredients take inspiration from a mix of global cuisines, combining the use of puff pastry from French cuisine with a diverse filling that hints at Mediterranean influences. It's a testament to how food evolves and adapts over time, reflecting changing dietary preferences and multicultural influences.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.