Cooking web notes

Hope you had a great weekend. Since we were discussing teatime snacks in the last post, I decided to continue on that vein and share another popular snack. I have enjoyed puffs all my life. My mom used to get them from the bakeries on her way back from work and my sis and I devoured them.

It's inevitable that I talk about college days because they taught me the value of home made food. Another reason is unsatisfactory food in the hostel sometimes drive you for options outside. And these experiences get etched in your memory never to be forgotten. I cannot forget the puffs from college canteens either. They were life savers especially during my last hostel days where the food was intolerable. My friends and I, we would have one egg/veg puffs for breakfast which took good care of us till lunch time. Inspite of having them everyday I have to say I never got tired of them :-)

Flaky leaf like layers with spicy masala within is a deadly combination. Maybe we should call it 'death by pastry.' There are many variations you can do with the filling like meat, chicken, vegetables and egg.



Ingredients:

Puff pastry sheets-2(this will give you 12 puffs!)
Hard boiled Eggs-6
Onion- 1 small
Green chillies- 2-3
Coriander powder- 2 Tsp
Red chilli powder- 1/2 tsp
Garam masala/Meat masala- 1/2 Tsp
Salt- A pinch

Method :

1.Thaw the pastry sheets as per the directions on the packet. (for about 40 minutes)
2.Meanwhile cut the onion into very small pieces and saute it till it starts turning golden brown.
3.Throw in the chopped green chillies and saute for 2-3 minutes.
4.Add all the spices and mix well and saute for a minute.Switch off the heat.
5.Cut each pastry sheets into 6 equal pieces.First cut though the folds on it and then, cut the 3 big pieces into 2.
6.Divide the onion mix into 12 equal parts, or take 1 tsp of it and keep on the middle of each pastry slice.
7.Cut the boiled eggs into halves and place each half on the top of onion mix on the pastry sheets.
8.Fold each pastry slice to press and join the opposite ends. You could use the edge of a fork or use your hands.
9.Some of you may like to see the egg peeking through the sides, then you do not press it firmly :-)
10.Arrange them on a greased baking tray or baking tray lined with parchment paper.
11.Bake in a preheated oven at 400 degree F for 30 minutes or till the top turns golden brown in color.
12.Serve warm with tomato sauce/as it is and enjoy with a cuppa !



Notes:

1.Before baking you could brush the top with egg white, then you get the shiny and smooth top, unlike mine :-).
2.Vegetarians could replace eggs with some cooked and mashed veggies.
3.If you want only 6 puffs take only one pastry sheet and use half of all the other ingredients .