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Lamb Phyllo Rolls

Lamb Phyllo Rolls recipe image
These savory Lamb Phyllo Rolls are a delightful twist on traditional Greek appetizers, combining tender ground lamb with aromatic spices and creamy cheeses. The filling features a rich blend of onions, tomatoes, and fresh herbs, wrapped in crisp, buttery phyllo dough. Baked until golden, these rolls offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making them an excellent choice for dinner parties or festive gatherings. The addition of myzithra and feta cheeses provides a tangy contrast to the savory meat, while the cinnamon and pepper add depth. Serve warm with a dusting of cinnamon sugar for a unique sweet-and-savory experience.
Cooking Method: , ,
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 6
Calories: 143.8
Description
These savory Lamb Phyllo Rolls are a delightful twist on traditional Greek appetizers, combining tender ground lamb with aromatic spices and creamy cheeses. The filling features a rich blend of onions, tomatoes, and fresh herbs, wrapped in crisp, buttery phyllo dough. Baked until golden, these rolls offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making them an excellent choice for dinner parties or festive gatherings. Serve warm with a dusting of cinnamon sugar for a unique sweet-and-savory experience.
Ingredients
  • 5 tablespoon Extra-virgin olive oil
  • 6 tablespoon Unsalted butter
  • 1 lg Onion; finely chopped
  • 1 1/2 pound Lean lamb, finely ground
  • 2 lg Ripe tomatoes; peeled, diced
  • 1 teaspoon Honey
  • 1 tablespoon Ground cinnamon; OR to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon Sea salt; OR to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Cracked black pepper
Directions
  1. 1
    Warm 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter in a heavy skillet over low heat.
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
    Add the diced tomatoes, honey, cinnamon, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of the pepper, and bring to a boil.
  5. 5
    Add 1/4 cup reduced meat stock or robust red wine, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat.
  6. 6
    Simmer for 15 minutes, or until almost all the liquid has evaporated.
  7. 7
    Stir in 1 1/2 tablespoons minced flat-leaf parsley and 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram, adjusting cinnamon and pepper to taste (do not add salt at this point as the cheese mixture is salty).
  8. 8
    Set the meat mixture aside to cool completely, or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
  9. 9
  10. 10
    Press 1 cup fresh myzithra cheese (or drained small-curd cottage cheese) through a sieve or food mill into a bowl.
  11. 11
    Combine the myzithra with 1/3 cup finely grated feta cheese, 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and 2 egg yolks. Cover and set aside.
  12. 12
    Combine the remaining 4 tablespoons butter and 4 tablespoons olive oil in a small saucepan and melt over very low heat.
  13. 13
    Brush a heavy baking sheet with some of this melted butter-oil mixture.
  14. 14
    Lay the 12 phyllo sheets one on top of another and cut in half crosswise to create 24 rectangular pieces.
  15. 15
    Place a small spoonful of the lamb mixture in one corner of each phyllo rectangle, then top with a small dollop of the cheese mixture.
  16. 16
    Roll the phyllo tightly around the filling to form a roll, placing them seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
  17. 17
    Brush the tops of the rolls with the remaining melted butter-oil mixture.
  18. 18
    Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden brown and crisp.
  19. 19
    Serve warm, dusted with confectioners' sugar and a pinch of ground cinnamon if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 143.8kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 12.2g19%
Saturated Fat 4.9g25%
Cholesterol 35.6mg12%
Sodium 427.4mg18%
Total Carbohydrate 1.5g1%
Dietary Fiber 0.6g3%
Sugars 0.6g
Protein 7.3g15%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to restore crispness.

Substitutions: If myzithra is unavailable, use drained ricotta or small-curd cottage cheese. Feta can be substituted with another salty white cheese like goat cheese.

Preparation Tip: You can prepare the lamb and cheese fillings a day in advance and refrigerate them. Assemble and bake the rolls just before serving for best texture.

Ingredient Note: The original recipe mentioned "OR to taste" for several spices; adjust cinnamon, marjoram, and pepper to your personal preference, keeping in mind the saltiness of the cheeses.

Keywords: lamb, phyllo, greek, rolls, cheese, feta, myzithra, cinnamon, onion, tomato, herbs, baking, appetizer, savory, pastry, ground meat, mediterranean, party food, spinach alternative, meat rolls
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/lamb-phyllo-rolls/