Snack roll with spinach

Ingredients

Spinach Biscuit

100 grams (3.5 ounces) spinach leaves
50 grams (1.75 ounces) flour
3 large eggs
2 pinches of salt

Filling

200 grams (7 ounces) low-salt red fish
150 grams (5.3 ounces) cream cheese
0.5 avocado
fresh dill

Equipment

Blender
Essential for grinding spinach and yolks together smoothly. Ensure it's powerful enough to handle leafy greens.
Mixing Bowls
One for whipping egg whites and another for combining spinach mixture. Stainless steel or glass is preferred for best results.
Silicone Spatula
Perfect for gently folding mixtures without deflating your whipped egg whites.
Baking Tray
Size around 20x30cm, lined with baking paper for easy removal of the sponge base.
Whisk
Essential for beating egg whites to stiff peaks. A stand mixer can make this process quicker.
Sharp Knife
Needed for slicing the fish and avocado nice and thin.

Instructions

Step 1

Step 1: Separate the whites from the yolks. Grind the spinach with the yolks in a blender until smooth. Ensure the spinach is thoroughly blended to avoid chunks in the batter.

Step 2

Step 2: Add the flour to the spinach and yolk mixture, and mix until well combined. A whisk can help remove any lumps in the batter.

Step 3

Step 3: In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites with the salt until they form stiff peaks. For best results, ensure your bowl and whisk are clean and dry.

Step 4

Step 4: Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the spinach mixture using a silicone spatula. Be gentle to maintain the airiness of the egg whites.

Step 5

Step 5: Preheat your oven to 356°F (180°C). Line the bottom of a 20x30 cm (8x12 inches) baking dish with baking paper.

Step 6

Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared dish and smooth it out evenly. Bake for 10 minutes. Check at 8 minutes to avoid over-baking.

Step 7

Step 7: Carefully remove the spinach biscuit from the oven. Transfer it with the baking paper onto a towel (paper side down) and let it cool completely. Cooling on a towel prevents condensation and sogginess.

Step 8

Step 8: Once cooled, spread a generous layer of cream cheese over the biscuit. If desired, sprinkle with fresh dill for extra flavor.

Step 9

Step 9: Arrange slices of low-salt red fish evenly over the cream cheese.

Step 10

Step 10: Place sliced avocado along one of the longer edges of the biscuit. This makes it easier to roll up the biscuit.

Step 11

Step 11: Roll up the biscuit from the avocado end, separating it from the baking paper as you go. Roll tightly for a good shape, but not too tight to prevent squeezing out the filling.

Step 12

Step 12: Serve the roll immediately, or refrigerate if you prefer a cooler option. For a neater presentation, trim the ends before serving.

Servings

This spinach and red fish pastry roll is a versatile dish that can be served in numerous delightful ways. 🌟

For a fancy brunch, serve it alongside a simple green salad and a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the greens will complement the rich flavors of the pastry roll. 🥗

Hosting a gathering? Cut the roll into bite-sized pieces and serve as an elegant canapé. Arrange them on a platter with some lemon wedges and a sprinkle of dill for a touch of sophistication. 🍋

If you're planning a more casual meal, pair the pastry roll with some crusty bread and a selection of pickled vegetables. The acidity of the pickles will balance the creaminess of the filling perfectly. 🥒

For wine lovers, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc will beautifully enhance the flavors of the red fish and cream cheese. Cheers to that! 🍷

Variations

Looking for *gluten-free* or *vegan* options? We’ve got you covered! 🌱

**Gluten-Free Variation**: Substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that your baking powder (if used) is also gluten-free.

**Vegan Variation**: Replace the eggs with aquafaba (chickpea brine) to whip up your mixture. Opt for a vegan cream cheese alternative and swap the red fish with thinly sliced, smoked tofu or roasted red peppers for a satisfying bite. 🥑

Faq

How do I prevent the egg whites from deflating when folding them into the spinach mixture?
Fold the mixtures *gently* using a silicone spatula in a circular motion until just combined, taking care not to over-mix.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to remove excess moisture before blending with the yolks.
What’s the best way to slice the roll evenly?
Use a *sharp knife* and wipe it clean after each slice to ensure neat cuts.
How can I enhance the flavor of the cream cheese filling?
Incorporate fresh herbs like dill and chives, or add a squeeze of lemon juice for a zesty kick.
Can I make the pastry roll ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and assemble the roll a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator wrapped snugly in plastic wrap to keep it fresh.
Is there an alternative to using red fish in the filling?
You can use smoked salmon, prosciutto, or even roasted vegetables for a vegetarian twist.