Mediterranean Meat Pinwheels

 

Ingredients

500 g ground beef or lamb

1 sheet puff pastry (or homemade dough)

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp paprika (or smoked paprika)

½ tsp cinnamon (for a Levantine touch)

1 tsp dried oregano or thyme

Salt & pepper, to taste

½ cup grated cheese (optional – feta, kasseri, or mozzarella)

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

1 egg (for brushing)

Instructions

Cook the filling: Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté onion and garlic until soft. Add the ground meat and cook until browned. Season with cumin, paprika, cinnamon, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let it cool.

Prepare pastry: Roll out puff pastry into a rectangle. Spread the cooled meat mixture evenly over the dough.

Add cheese & herbs: Sprinkle with feta (or mozzarella) and parsley.

Roll & slice: Roll the dough tightly into a log, then slice into 2–3 cm thick rounds.

Bake: Place slices on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush with beaten egg. Bake at 190°C (375°F) for 20–25 minutes, until golden and puffed.

Serve: Enjoy warm with a side of tzatziki or a fresh tomato-cucumber salad.

 Serving Ideas

Serve as a mezze dish alongside olives, hummus, and pita.

Pair with a Greek yogurt dip flavored with lemon, mint, and garlic.

Add a drizzle of pomegranate molasses for a sweet-tangy finish (common in Levantine cooking).