Puff pastry swirls with zucchini and ham

The puff pastry swirls with zucchini and ham are tasty and easy to prepare treats, ideal for an aperitif or a buffet. Here is the recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 roll of rectangular puff pastry
• 2 medium zucchinis
• 100 g of cooked ham (also high quality, like San Daniele or Parma ham if you prefer)
• 100 g of spreadable cheese (like Philadelphia or another of your choice)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil
• 1 egg (for brushing)

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2. Wash the zucchinis and cut them into thin slices lengthwise. You can use a mandolin to get even slices.
3. In a pan, heat a drizzle of oil and sauté the zucchini slices until they are soft and lightly golden. Season with salt and pepper, then let them cool.
4. Unroll the puff pastry and evenly spread the cheese on top.
5. Distribute the slices of cooked ham over the cheese, and then lay the cooked zucchini slices on top.
6. Roll up the puff pastry with the filling on itself, starting from the long side, until it forms a tight roll.
7. Cut the roll into slices about 1-2 cm thick, thus obtaining the swirls.
8. Place the swirls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, brush them with the beaten egg, and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until they become golden and crispy.
9. Take the swirls out of the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Curiosity

Puff pastry swirls are versatile because you can experiment with different types of fillings. For example, for an all-Italian touch, you might add a bit of pesto to the zucchini before rolling the pastry, or vary with other grilled vegetables such as eggplant or peppers. The ham could also be replaced with bresaola and a touch of arugula for a more intense and slightly spicy flavor. Have fun and enjoy your meal with this simple but delicious Italian recipe!