Discover how to make traditional Pastizzi, the flaky Maltese pastries filled with creamy ricotta or savory peas. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a tasty snack, these delightful pastries are easy to prepare and sure to impress. Follow our step-by-step recipe to create these delicious bites right in your kitchen.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

 - 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

 - 1 tsp baking powder

 - 1 tsp salt

 - ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

 - 1 egg, beaten

 - ½ cup cold water

For the Ricotta Filling:

 - 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese

 - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

 - 1 egg, beaten

 - 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

 - Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pea Filling:

 - 1 cup cooked green peas

 - 1 tbsp olive oil

 - 1 small onion, finely chopped

 - 1 garlic clove, minced

 - ¼ cup chopped fresh mint or parsley

 - Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:

 - In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.

 - Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

 - Add the beaten egg and cold water, mixing until a dough forms. 

 - Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare the Ricotta Filling:

 - In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside.

Prepare the Pea Filling:

 - Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.

 - Add cooked peas and cook for a few more minutes.

 - Mash the pea mixture slightly with a fork, then stir in mint or parsley. Season with salt and pepper.

Assemble the Pastizzi:

 - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

 - Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.

 - Cut the dough into 4-inch squares.

 - Place a spoonful of the ricotta filling or pea filling in the center of each square.

 - Fold the dough into a triangle or rectangle and seal the edges by pressing with a fork.

 - Brush the tops with a beaten egg for a golden finish.

Bake:

 - Place the pastries on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and flaky.

 - Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Pastizzi, perfect for any occasion!

Nutritional Value:

All-Purpose Flour:

 - Calories: 455

 - Protein: 13 g

 - Carbohydrates: 95 g

 - Fat: 1.2 g

 - Fiber: 3 g

Benefits:

 - Provides a source of carbohydrates for energy.

 - Contains small amounts of protein and fiber.

Baking Powder:

 - Calories: 0

 - Protein: 0 g

 - Carbohydrates: 1 g

 - Fat: 0 g

Benefits:

 - Acts as a leavening agent, helping dough rise and become fluffy.

Salt:

 - Calories: 0

 - Sodium: 2,300 mg

Benefits:

 - Enhances flavor in dishes.

 - Essential for fluid balance and nerve function, though should be used in moderation.

Unsalted Butter:

 - Calories: 102

 - Protein: 0.1 g

 - Carbohydrates: 0 g

 - Fat: 11.5 g

 - Saturated Fat: 7.2 g

Benefits:

 - Adds flavor and richness to baked goods.

 - Provides vitamins A, D, E, and K in small amounts.

Ricotta Cheese:

 - Calories: 300

 - Protein: 14 g

 - Carbohydrates: 10 g

 - Fat: 23 g

 - Calcium: 300 mg

Benefits:

 - High in protein and calcium.

 - Provides vitamins B12 and A.

Parmesan Cheese:

 - Calories: 108

 - Protein: 10 g

 - Carbohydrates: 1 g

 - Fat: 7 g

Benefits:

 - Rich in protein and calcium.

 - Contains beneficial fats and vitamins like B12.

Egg: - Calories: 70

 - Protein: 6 g

 - Carbohydrates: 1 g

 - Fat: 5 g

Benefits:

 - Excellent source of high-quality protein.

 - Provides essential vitamins and minerals including vitamin D, B12, and choline.

Fresh Parsley:

 - Calories: 1

 - Protein: 0.1 g

 - Carbohydrates: 0.2 g

 - Fat: 0 g

Benefits:

 - Rich in vitamins A, C, and K.

 - Contains antioxidants and supports digestion.

Green Peas:

 - Calories: 117

 - Protein: 8 g

 - Carbohydrates: 21 g

 - Fat: 0.6 g

 - Fiber: 8 g

Benefits:

 - High in protein and fiber.

 - Provides vitamins A, C, K, and several B vitamins.

Olive Oil:

 - Calories: 120

 - Protein: 0 g

 - Carbohydrates: 0 g

 - Fat: 14 g

 - Monounsaturated Fat: 10 g

Benefits:

 - Rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

 - Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

Onion:

 - Calories: 44

 - Protein: 1 g

 - Carbohydrates: 10 g

 - Fat: 0 g

 - Fiber: 1.9 g

Benefits:

 - Provides antioxidants and vitamin C.

 - Supports heart health and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Garlic:

 - Calories: 4

 - Protein: 0.2 g

 - Carbohydrates: 1 g

 - Fat: 0 g

Benefits:

 - Known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

 - Contains compounds that support cardiovascular health.

Fresh Mint or Parsley:

 - Calories: 1

 - Protein: 0.1 g

 - Carbohydrates: 0.2 g

 - Fat: 0 g

Benefits:

 - Provides vitamins and antioxidants.

 - Aids in digestion and adds flavor with minimal calories.

These nutritional values and benefits provide insight into the health aspects of the ingredients used in Pastizzi, making it easier to enjoy this delicious pastry with knowledge of its nutritional profile.