If you are on the search for an intriguing appetizer, then look no further than this Zucchini Filled Kataifi Pastry Baskets recipe which is filled with a zucchini and parmesan cheese puree. Almost like little tartlets, the kataifi pastry baskets are golden and crisp, and perfect for holding the creamy zucchini filling.
To make these kataifi pastry baskets, the kataifi pastry is pressed into muffin cups to bake in the oven before being filled with a delicious puree of zucchini, parmesan, garlic, thyme, and onion. With a garnish of prosciutto and pomegranate arils, these mini appetizers will be sure to please with a combination of contrasting flavors and textures.
What are Kataifi Pastry Baskets?
These kataifi pastry baskets are basically little savory tarts that are filled with a creamy zucchini and cheese filling, and garnished with salty prosciutto and sweet pomegranate arils. Kataifi pastry is similar in texture to phyllo dough, but is shredded rather than being in sheets. It has origins in the Middle East and across the Mediterranean, and is widely used in both Turkey and Greece.
While you could certainly make your own kataifi pastry at home, it should be available in specialty grocery stores. It can also be purchased online.
Pro Tips
- Don’t overcook the kataifi baskets. You will know they are perfectly baked when they are crisp and golden.
- If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can puree the zucchini mixture in a small blender instead.
- Use real parmigiano reggiano cheese in this recipe for the best flavor.
- Feel free to replace the zucchini with yellow summer squash if you have that on hand instead.
- The zucchini puree would also be wonderful with other fresh herbs like rosemary, parsley, or basil.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kataifi?
Kataifi is a type of Middle Eastern pastry dough that is similar to phyllo, but rather than being in sheets, it is shredded into very thin pieces that almost look like spun sugar. This pastry is commonly used for desserts such as the viral Dubai chocolate bar or pastries with honey, walnuts, and pistachios. However, it can be used in savoury preparations as well.
Where Can I Buy Kataifi?
Look for kataifi in local specialty Indian or Middle Eastern grocery stores as it is often used in those cuisines. However, you may also be able to find it online.
Can I Make Kataifi Pastry Baskets Vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Simply omit the prosciutto as they will be no less delicious with only the zucchini filling. Alternatively, you can garnish the pastries with some thin slices of sauteed mushrooms or some sun-dried tomato slices.
How to Store Kataifi Pastry Baskets
The kataifi pastry baskets can be placed in a sealed container in the fridge where they will keep for 1 to 2 days. It is best to eat them quite quickly or else the pastry baskets may become soggy as the filling sits in them.
Ingredients
How to Make Kataifi Pastry Baskets
For the baskets, toss the kataifi pastry with the melted butter in a bowl.
For the baskets, toss the kataifi pastry with the melted butter in a bowl.
Shape the kataifi into nests and arrange them in muffin cups. Bake them in a 360 F/180 C oven for 15 minutes.
Shape the kataifi into nests and arrange them in muffin cups. Bake them in a 360 F/180 C oven for 15 minutes.
For the filling, heat the olive oil in a skillet. Add the garlic and onion and fry them for a few minutes. Add the zucchini, thyme, and salt, and cook until soft.
For the filling, heat the olive oil in a skillet. Add the garlic and onion and fry them for a few minutes. Add the zucchini, thyme, and salt, and cook until soft.
Place the zucchini mixture in a bowl and blend it with the parmesan until smooth with an immersion blender.
Place the zucchini mixture in a bowl and blend it with the parmesan until smooth with an immersion blender.
Divide the zucchini mixture between the baskets.
Divide the zucchini mixture between the baskets.
Garnish them with the prosciutto and pomegranate, and serve!
Garnish them with the prosciutto and pomegranate, and serve!
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