Ingredients

3 tablespoons butter ( or margarine )
2 shallots , minced ( or green onions )
1 lb lean ground lamb ( or beef )
1/2 cup dry white wine
3 sprigs parsley , fresh chopped
1 tablespoon mint , fresh chopped
1 tablespoon dill , fresh chopped
1/2 cup tomato sauce
salt
pepper , freshly ground to taste
1/2 cup kefalotyri , grated ( or Parmesan cheese )
1 egg , lightly beaten
1 tablespoon breadcrumbs , if needed
1 lb phyllo pastry , defrosted
1 cup butter , melted ( or margarine )
Greek Kreatopites are a traditional taverna appetizer in Greece, typically served hot and freshly made. These savory pastries are filled with flavorful ground lamb or beef, fresh herbs, and a touch of tomato sauce. The filling is encased in delicate layers of phyllo pastry, which creates a crispy golden brown crust when baked. These pastries are perfect to serve as a snack or appetizer for a party or gathering, or as a meal with a side salad or soup.

Instructions

1.In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté minced shallots or green onions until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
2.Add ground lamb or beef and brown for 5-7 minutes, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
3.Pour in white wine and let simmer until the liquid has reduced by half, about 5-7 minutes.
4.Stir in fresh chopped parsley, mint, dill, tomato sauce, salt, and pepper, and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened.
5.Remove from heat and let cool. Stir in grated kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese, an egg, and breadcrumbs (if needed) to bind the mixture.
6.Preheat the oven to 375°F. Cut phyllo pastry into 3-inch squares. Take each square and brush with melted butter or margarine.
7.Place a small spoonful of the filling onto one corner of the square and fold the pastry diagonally across to create a triangle. Continue folding the triangle onto itself until you reach the end of the pastry. Seal the edge with butter or margarine.
8.Place each triangle onto a greased baking tray and brush with more melted butter or margarine.
9.Bake for 20-30 minutes until golden brown. Serve hot or at room temperature.

PROS

These savory pastries contain lean ground lamb or beef and fresh herbs, which provide a burst of flavor in each bite.

They can be made ahead of time and reheated for a quick snack or appetizer.

CONS

These pastries contain phyllo pastry, which can be challenging to work with for a beginner baker.

They are also high in calories due to the butter and cheese used in the recipe.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Lean ground lamb or beef is an excellent source of protein, providing essential amino acids that help build and repair muscle and tissue in the body.
Herbs like parsley, mint, and dill are rich in antioxidants, which may help reduce inflammation in the body and improve overall health.

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