Discover how to make Barbajuan, a delicious recipe for savory pastries filled with creamy ricotta, Swiss chard, and aromatic herbs. These deep-fried pastries are perfect as an appetizer or snack, offering a delightful crunch and flavorful filling. Follow our step-by-step guide to create these irresistible treats at home!

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

- 1 bunch Swiss chard, chopped

- 1 cup ricotta cheese

- 1/2 cup grated Swiss cheese

- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

- 1 small onion, finely chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pastry:

- 2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1/2 cup butter, cold and cubed

- 1/4 cup cold water

- 1 egg, beaten (for sealing)

For Frying:

- Vegetable oil

Instructions:

Prepare the Filling:

  - In a skillet, heat a small amount of oil and sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.

  - Add the chopped Swiss chard and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.

  - In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked Swiss chard mixture, ricotta cheese, grated Swiss cheese, parsley, and basil. Mix well and set aside.

Make the Pastry Dough:

  - In a large bowl, mix the flour and cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

  - Gradually add cold water, stirring until a dough forms. Knead the dough briefly, then wrap it in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.

Assemble the Barbajuan:

  - On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.

  - Cut the dough into squares or circles, depending on your preference.

  - Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each dough piece.

  - Fold the dough over the filling to create a pocket or fold into a half-moon shape. Seal the edges with beaten egg.

Fry the Barbajuan:

  - Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C).

  - Fry the pastries in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.

  - Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

Enjoy your homemade Barbajuan as a delectable appetizer or savory snack!

Nutritional Values

Swiss Chard

- Calories: 35 kcal per cup (chopped)

- Protein: 3 grams

- Carbohydrates: 7 grams

- Fiber: 3 grams

- Fat: 0.4 grams

Benefits:

- Rich in Vitamins: High in vitamins A, C, and K, which are important for immune function, skin health, and bone health.

- Antioxidants: Contains antioxidants like beta-carotene and lutein that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation.

- Supports Digestion: High fiber content aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy digestive tract.

Ricotta Cheese

- Calories: 300 kcal per cup

- Protein: 28 grams

- Carbohydrates: 8 grams

- Fat: 20 grams

- Calcium: 400 mg

Benefits:

- High in Protein: Supports muscle growth and repair.

- Calcium Source: Essential for strong bones and teeth.

- Low in Lactose: Generally easier to digest for those with mild lactose intolerance.

Swiss Cheese

- Calories: 106 kcal per ounce

- Protein: 8 grams

- Carbohydrates: 1 gram

- Fat: 8 grams

- Calcium: 270 mg

Benefits:

- Protein-Rich: Supports muscle function and repair.

- Calcium Source: Contributes to bone health.

- Vitamin B12: Important for red blood cell formation and neurological health.

Parsley

- Calories: 22 kcal per cup (chopped)

- Protein: 2 grams

- Carbohydrates: 4 grams

- Fiber: 2 grams

- Vitamin C: 80 mg

Benefits:

- Rich in Vitamins: Excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K.

- Antioxidants: Contains flavonoids and vitamin C that help reduce oxidative stress.

- Supports Digestion: Helps with digestion and may reduce bloating.

Basil

- Calories: 22 kcal per cup (chopped)

- Protein: 1 gram

- Carbohydrates: 5 grams

- Fiber: 1 gram

- Vitamin K: 345 mcg

Benefits:

- Anti-Inflammatory: Contains essential oils that have anti-inflammatory properties.

- Antioxidants: Rich in antioxidants that support overall health.

- Digestive Health: Aids in digestion and can help relieve nausea.

Onion

- Calories: 46 kcal per cup (chopped)

- Protein: 1 gram

- Carbohydrates: 11 grams

- Fiber: 2 grams

- Vitamin C: 11 mg

Benefits:

- Antioxidants: Contains quercetin and other antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation.

- Heart Health: May help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

- Digestive Health: Supports gut health and digestion.

Garlic

- Calories: 4 kcal per clove

- Protein: 0.2 grams

- Carbohydrates: 1 gram

- Fiber: 0.1 grams

- Vitamin C: 1 mg

Benefits:

- Immune Support: Known for its immune-boosting properties.

- Heart Health: May help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

- Antibacterial: Contains allicin, which has antibacterial and antiviral properties.

All-Purpose Flour

- Calories: 455 kcal per cup

- Protein: 13 grams

- Carbohydrates: 95 grams

- Fiber: 3 grams

- Fat: 1 gram

Benefits:

- Energy Source: Provides carbohydrates for energy.

- Versatile: Used in various recipes for baking and cooking.

Butter

- Calories: 102 kcal per tablespoon

- Protein: 0.1 grams

- Carbohydrates: 0.1 grams

- Fat: 11.5 grams

- Vitamin A: 355 IU

Benefits:

- Rich Flavor: Enhances the taste of dishes.

- Source of Fat: Provides essential fatty acids and vitamin A.

Vegetable Oil

- Calories: 120 kcal per tablespoon

- Fat: 14 grams (mostly unsaturated fats)

Benefits:

- Cooking Oil: Used for frying and cooking.

- Heart Health: Contains unsaturated fats that are healthier for the heart.

These ingredients combine to create a flavorful and nutritious dish that offers a range of health benefits.