A quick and easy recipe for a **Zucchini and Meat Puff Pastry Appetizer**:
### **Ingredients:**
- 400 g (14 oz) puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 200 g (7 oz) minced meat (beef, chicken, or turkey)
- 1 medium zucchini, grated
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 150 g (1 1/2 cups) shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or a mix)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (for cooking)
### **Instructions:**
#### 1. **Prepare the Filling:**
- Heat a little olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add the minced meat to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in the grated zucchini and cook for another 3–4 minutes until the zucchini releases its moisture and softens. You can press the mixture with a spoon to help release extra moisture from the zucchini. This will help prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy.
- Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool slightly.
#### 2. **Assemble the Puff Pastry:**
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick.
- Cut the pastry into squares or rectangles (around 3–4 inches wide, depending on how big you want each appetizer to be).
- Spoon a generous amount of the zucchini and meat mixture onto the center of each pastry square.
- Top with a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
#### 3. **Fold and Seal:**
- Fold the pastry over the filling to form a pocket or triangle. Press the edges together with a fork to seal the edges tightly. If you’re making rectangles, you can fold them into little parcels or use a larger sheet of pastry and cut them into smaller squares for individual servings.
- Brush the top of each pastry with the beaten egg for a golden, glossy finish.
#### 4. **Bake:**
- Place the pastries on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crisp.
#### 5. **Serve:**
- Let the pastries cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm and can be served as appetizers or snacks for a party or casual gathering.
Enjoy these **zucchini and meat puff pastry bites**! You get the perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and crispy in each bite. Perfect for a quick appetizer or light meal! ????