Cretan-Style Meat Appetizers (Kreatopitakia)
Appetizer made with lamb or pork meat, spices and phyllo pastry.
Ingredients
- 500 grams minced pork or lamb
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- salt & freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 250 grams country-style phyllo pastry (or use homemade version)
- 100 grams melted butter or olive oil for brushing
- sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
Cook the filling
- Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add onions and sauté until soft and translucent (about 5–6 minutes).
- Add the ground meat and cook until browned and most moisture has evaporated.
- Stir in cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley.
- Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
Prepare the rolls
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Lay out one sheet of country-style phyllo pastry and brush with butter or oil.
- Place 1–2 tablespoons of the meat mixture along one edge.
- Fold in the sides and roll tightly into a cigar shape.
- Place seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Repeat with the remaining pastry and filling.
Bake
- Brush the tops with melted butter or oil.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Alternative cooking method: Frying
- You can fry the rolls in abundant extra virgin olive oil; in this case, do not use sesame seeds to decorate the pastries.
Nutrition
Calories: 185kcal
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