Savory Strudel with Ham and Zucchini

The savory strudel with ham and zucchini is a tasty variation of the traditional strudel, usually sweet. Here is how to prepare it.

Ingredients

• 1 rectangular sheet of puff pastry
• 100 g of cooked ham, diced
• 2-3 medium zucchinis
• 1 small onion
• 100 g of grated cheese (e.g., emmental, gouda, or a mix for savory pies)
• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg (for brushing)
• Sesame or poppy seeds (optional)

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
2. Slice the zucchinis into thin rounds and finely chop the onion. Heat the oil in a pan and sauté the onion until it becomes translucent.
3. Add the zucchini rounds and let them cook until they are soft but still slightly crisp. Salt and pepper to taste.
4. After cooking the zucchinis, add the ham cubes and mix for a couple of minutes.
5. Unroll the puff pastry on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
6. Distribute the zucchini and ham mixture in the center of the puff pastry, leaving a border of about 3 cm free. Sprinkle the grated cheese over the filling.
7. Close the strudel by folding the edges of the puff pastry over itself and brush the surface with the beaten egg. If desired, you can also sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds.
8. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the outside of the strudel is golden brown and crispy.
9. Let it cool for a few minutes before cutting and serving.

Curiosity

Strudel, especially known in its sweet version with apples, is a traditional dish of various Central European cuisines. Its savory version can be adapted with countless fillings, making it a very versatile dish that adapts to every season thanks to the possibility of using always different ingredients.