Puff Pastry with EVO Oil, A Delicious Alternative

Reading time: 3 minutes

Introduction

Puff pastry is a staple in the preparation of many traditional culinary dishes, such as croissants, pies, and cakes. However, for those looking for a lighter alternative to the traditional use of butter, butter-free puff pastry with extra virgin olive oil (EVO) is a delicious solution. In this article, we will guide you through a simple recipe that will allow you to prepare a light and fragrant puff pastry without sacrificing taste.

INDEX

• Advantages of using extra virgin olive oil
• Simple recipe for butterless puff pastry with EVO oil
• Creative ideas for using butterless puff pastry with EVO oil
• Conclusions

Advantages of using extra virgin olive oil

Extra virgin olive oil is a widely used ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine, prized for its distinctive flavor and numerous health benefits. Compared with butter, EVO oil offers several advantages:

1. Lightness: EVO oil has a healthier fat content than butter, being rich in monounsaturated fatty acids. This makes butter-free puff pastry with EVO oil a lighter choice for those who want to follow a balanced diet.
2. Intense aromas: Extra virgin olive oil gives puff pastry a rich and aromatic flavor. The fruit aromas and herbaceous flavors of EVO oil blend perfectly with many ingredients, providing a tasty culinary experience.
3. Versatility: Extra virgin olive oil can be used for both sweet and savory preparations, making butter-free puff pastry with EVO oil a versatile option for a wide range of dishes.

Read also: Botulinum in pickles, how to recognize it and why is it dangerous?

Simple recipe for butterless puff pastry with EVO oil

Here is a recipe for making butterless puff pastry with extra virgin olive oil:

Ingredients:

• 250g flour
• 125ml cold water
• 75ml extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt

Procedure:

1. In a large bowl, sift flour and add salt.
2. Pour the extra virgin olive oil and cold water into the bowl with the flour.
3. Mix the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth.
4. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it vigorously for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

5. Form a ball with the dough and wrap it in plastic wrap. Let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
6. After the resting time has elapsed, take the dough and divide it into two equal parts.
7. Roll out each part of the dough on a lightly floured surface, forming two thin rectangular sheets.
8. You can use butter-free puff pastry with EVO oil to make delicious tarts, pies or baked desserts.
9. Once the puff pastry is used, bake it in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

Read also: Replacing Butter with Oil, When It’s Recommended to Do It

Creative ideas for using butterless puff pastry with EVO oil

Butterless puff pastry with extra virgin olive oil can be used in multiple ways to create tasty and inviting dishes. Here are some creative ideas for harnessing its full potential:

• Savory Croissants: Fill butter-free puff pastry with EVO oil with cheese, ham, vegetables or cold cuts to create delicious savory croissants to enjoy as an appetizer or snack.
• Savory pies: Use butter-free puff pastry with EVO oil as a base for savory pies, filling it with a combination of ingredients such as vegetables, cheese, eggs, and spices.
• Baked desserts: Make sweet tarts or baked treats using butter-free puff pastry with EVO oil as the base. You can fill it with fresh fruit, jam or custard to create delicious and light desserts.
• Strudel: Create a savory or sweet strudel by wrapping a savory filling inside butterless puff pastry with EVO oil. You can opt for a classic version with apples and cinnamon or experiment with bolder ingredient combinations.

Read also: Frying with Olive Oil, 3 Advantages (+1)

Conclusions

Butterless puff pastry with extra virgin olive oil offers a light and tasty alternative for preparing a wide range of savory and sweet dishes. Thanks to its versatility and the many benefits of EVO oil, you can enjoy the irresistible flavors and textures of puff pastry without the addition of butter. By following the simple recipe we have provided, you can create delicious and satisfying preparations that will win the palates of family and friends. Experiment with different combinations of ingredients and be inspired by culinary creativity to make unique and unforgettable dishes. Have fun in the kitchen!

Posted by:

Alfio Lo Conte

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Tecnico ed esperto degli oli extravergini di oliva, iscritto nell’Elenco Nazionale sezione Campania. Maestro di frantoio con diploma, conseguito presso International Extravirgin Agency.

Read more articles by: Alfio Lo Conte