Vegan Caramelized Onion Spinach Puff Pastry Delight

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Vegan Caramelized Onion Spinach is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of caramelized onions with the earthy taste of spinach, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry. This delightful recipe offers a creamy filling of caramelized onions, garlicky spinach, and a cheesy nutritional yeast blend, making it an ideal savory snack or appetizer. Whether you’re hosting a party or in need of a quick meal, this recipe will surely impress your guests and family!

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Caramelized Onion Spinach

There are countless reasons to adore this Vegan Caramelized Onion Spinach dish! Firstly, it’s a plant-based caramelized onion and spinach recipe that caters to health-conscious eaters. Secondly, it’s a dairy-free caramelized onion spinach dish, making it suitable for those with lactose intolerance. Furthermore, it’s packed with nutrients, featuring spinach, which is loaded with vitamins and minerals. The nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor without the calories, making this a healthy caramelized onion spinach option. Finally, it’s a versatile dish that can be served as a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal!

Ingredients for Vegan Caramelized Onion Spinach

Gather these items:

2 tbsp olive oil
6-7 cups chopped spinach
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2-3 garlic cloves, grated
1/2 tsp thyme
1–3/4 cup nutritional yeast
Salt, to taste
Chilli flakes, to taste
1/8 tsp nutmeg (or a pinch)
1/8 tsp black pepper (or a pinch)
1 sheet puff pastry (pre-rolled)
1 tbsp olive oil (for glaze)
1/2 – 1 tsp maple syrup (optional, for drizzling)

How to Make Vegan Caramelized Onion Spinach Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a pan, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil over low to medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté, stirring frequently to prevent burning, until they are soft and caramelised.
Step 2: Mix in the grated garlic, chilli flakes to your taste, and thyme. Cook this combination for about 1 minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Pile the chopped spinach on top of the onion mixture in the pan. Cover with a lid and cook for 6 to 10 minutes until the spinach wilts.
Step 4: Continue cooking uncovered to evaporate most of the water released by the spinach.
Step 5: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the nutritional yeast. Season with salt to taste. Let the mixture cool completely before assembling.
Step 6: Preheat your oven to 220°C (200°C fan). Lightly flour a clean workspace, then cut the pre-rolled puff pastry sheet into six squares.
Step 7: Spoon the cooled spinach and onion mixture onto one half of each pastry square. Fold the pastry over to form a triangle or rectangle, then seal the edges using a floured fork. Cut 2-3 slits on top to allow air to escape while baking.
Step 8: Place the sealed pastries in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to firm up.
Step 9: Combine 1 tablespoon olive oil with nutmeg and black pepper, then brush this glaze over the top of each pastry.
Step 10: Bake the pastries in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown.
Step 11: Optionally drizzle with maple syrup for a hint of sweetness and enjoy warm.

Pro Tips for the Best Vegan Caramelized Onion Spinach

Keep these in mind:

Use low heat when caramelizing the onions to avoid burning them.
Allow the spinach to wilt completely to avoid a soggy pastry.
Don’t skip the chilling step; it helps the pastries maintain their shape.
This recipe is perfect for meal prep and can be frozen for later. Just bake it directly from frozen!

Best Ways to Serve Vegan Caramelized Onion Spinach

There are several delightful ways to enjoy this dish:

Serve it hot as a savory snack or appetizer.
Pair with a vegan spinach and caramelized onion dip for a delightful starter.
Enjoy alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Vegan Caramelized Onion Spinach Puff Pastry Delight - Vegan Caramelized Onion Spinach - main visual representation

How to Store and Reheat Vegan Caramelized Onion Spinach

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Caramelized Onion Spinach

What’s the secret to perfect Vegan Caramelized Onion Spinach?

The secret lies in caramelizing the onions slowly for depth of flavor and allowing the spinach to wilt without releasing too much water.

Can I make Vegan Caramelized Onion Spinach ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the filling in advance and assemble the pastries when you’re ready to bake.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Vegan Caramelized Onion Spinach?

Ensure that you don’t overcrowd the pan when caramelizing onions, and always allow the filling to cool before assembling the pastries.

Variations of Vegan Caramelized Onion Spinach You Can Try

Feel free to get creative with these variations:

Add some sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor.
Incorporate different herbs like basil or oregano for a twist.
Try mixing in other veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers for added nutrition.