savory vegetable cheese filling (Printable Version)

A flavorful mix of vegetables, herbs, and cheese, perfect as a hearty savory filling.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 small red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 medium carrot, grated
06 - 3.5 ounces mushrooms, finely chopped
07 - 3.5 ounces baby spinach, chopped

→ Seasonings & Dairy

08 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
09 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
11 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
12 - 2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled

→ Optional Add-Ins

13 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
14 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest

# How to Make It:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and cook for 2 minutes until softened.
02 - Add minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, and grated carrot. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
03 - Incorporate chopped mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the moisture has evaporated.
04 - Add chopped baby spinach and cook until wilted, approximately 2 minutes.
05 - Sprinkle dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and ground black pepper over the mixture and stir to combine evenly.
06 - Remove skillet from heat and allow the filling to cool slightly. Stir in crumbled feta cheese, fresh parsley, and lemon zest if desired.
07 - Use the savory filling as desired in pastries, pies, empanadas, or savory crepes. Ensure the filling is cooled before stuffing dough.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • This filling brings together fresh vegetables and herbs in a way that feels like sharing a whispered kitchen secret.
  • The balance of flavors from the feta and smoked paprika makes it a standout in any pastry or pie.
02 -
  • Letting the filling cool before using it is crucial to avoid soggy pastries.
  • Adding feta cheese at the end keeps its creamy texture intact and prevents it from melting away.
03 -
  • Finely chopping the vegetables ensures a uniform texture that holds together beautifully in pastries.
  • The smoked paprika is the secret that adds depth and subtle warmth, transforming simple vegetables into a memorable filling.