Savory Feta Turnovers

By Nargisse Benkabbou

Published Oct. 15, 2024

Savory Feta Turnovers
Kerri Brewer for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Barrett Washburne.
Total Time
40 minutes
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Rating
5(174)
Comments
Read comments

Inspired by the Greek tradition of frying a whole block of feta, these versatile flaky pastries offer a delightful blend of salty, tangy and sweet flavors. The creamy feta and zesty preserved lemon create a harmonious filling that's both comforting and indulgent. With just a handful of ingredients (including handy store-bought puff pastry), these turnovers are a quick and easy starter perfect for dinner parties or a casual weeknight gathering. They may also be enjoyed as a snack or on-the-go meal at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container or bag in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheat at 400 degrees for 10 minutes. And for a bite-sized treat, consider turning them into finger food appetizers by using smaller pastry sheets and dividing the filling accordingly.

  • or to save this recipe.

  • Subscriber benefit: Give recipes to anyone

    As a subscriber, you have 10 gift recipes to give each month. Anyone can view them - even nonsubscribers. Learn more.

    Subscribe

  • Share this recipe

  • Print this recipe

Advertisement

Ingredients

Yield:6 servings
  • 10 ½ounces/300 grams feta, crumbled 
  • 1½tablespoons seeded and finely chopped preserved lemon 
  • 1tablespoon dried mint
  • 2garlic cloves, finely minced or pressed 
  • 1sheet thawed puff pastry, such as Dufour (about 14 ounces)
  • All-purpose flour, for dusting 
  • 1egg, beaten 
  • 2tablespoons sesame seeds
  • 6tablespoons honey, for serving
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (6 servings)

595 calories; 38 grams fat; 13 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 17 grams monounsaturated fat; 4 grams polyunsaturated fat; 52 grams carbohydrates; 2 grams dietary fiber; 18 grams sugars; 14 grams protein; 743 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

Powered by

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat oven to 400 degrees. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.

  2. Step 2

    Make the filling: In a large bowl, mix together the feta, preserved lemon, mint and garlic.

  3. Step 3

    Unfold the puff pastry sheet. On a lightly floured surface, run a lightly floured rolling pin over the pastry sheet to eliminate any folds. Cut the sheet into 6 equal-size squares (about 4½-inch squares).

  4. Step 4

    Divide the filling evenly among the 6 squares, spooning about 2½ tablespoons onto the center of each square. (The size of the pastry sheet may vary depending on brand. To prevent filling from coming out during baking, adjust the amount of filling to the size of your squares; do not overfill.) Fold one corner over the filling to meet the opposite corner to form a triangle, then seal the edges by pressing down with the tines of a fork.

  5. Step 5

    Place the turnovers on the lined sheet pan, leaving about 1 inch between them. Brush their tops with the egg, sprinkle with sesame seeds and bake 20 to 25 minutes, until golden brown.

  6. Step 6

    Let rest for 5 minutes before serving with a drizzle of honey on top of the turnovers.

Private Notes

Leave a Private Comment on this recipe and see it here.

Ratings

5 out of 5
174 user ratings
Your rating

or to rate this recipe.

Have you cooked this?

or to mark this recipe as cooked.

Comments

Karekin

You can eliminate the preserved lemon and add fresh, chopped dill and Italian parsley, and it will be equally delicious.

Gil Evans

It is lemon that has been "fermented" in lemon juice and lots of salt. You can make your own - although it takes about a month. Or you can find in gourmet grocery markets or online.

Lyn

Really tasty. I made my own pastry as I'm gluten free, but not puff. They turned out perfectly and the drizzle of honey before eating definitely adds an extra flavour layer. Yum!

Jackie

This was very tasty. I made the turnovers bite sized so I got 16 out of this recipe. I used the finely chopped preserved lemon which added a bright tangy dimension, in place of the garlic cloves, I used homemade Toum. In place of the mint, I added Zatar.

BA

Delicious with oregano instead of mint. Planning on serving with a side of Taziki.

Dan

I'm rating this 1 star. I love preserved lemon, but this was just bad. The turnovers looked good coming out of the oven, but I had to throw the whole thing out, including the additional leftover spiced crumbled feta which was too much for the recipe. A mistake Preserved lemons made from Trader Joe's Meyer lemons are great btw. They are easy to make and go well in a lot of other recipes

Private comments are only visible to you.

Recipe Tags

or to save this recipe.