Golden Basin Bites
Background and History
Golden Basin Bites are a tantalizing appetizer that draws inspiration from the wealthy culinary history of the Basque region in Spain. Known for its rich and hearty dishes, this region has become famous for its pintxos, or small snacks commonly enjoyed with a glass of wine. Our Golden Basin Bites capture the essence of this tradition, offering a burst of flavors wrapped in golden phyllo pastry. This dish combines the robust taste of chorizo with creamy Manchego cheese, all harmonized within a crispy shell. Ideal for entertaining, these bites can act as the perfect introduction to any meal or as a stand-alone treat to delight your guests.
Ingredients
- Phyllo Pastry (1 package, thawed)
- Chorizo (200g, finely chopped)
- Manchego Cheese (150g, grated)
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons)
- Onion (1, finely diced)
- Red Pepper (1, finely chopped)
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
- Paprika (1 teaspoon)
- Fresh Thyme (1 tablespoon, chopped)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black Pepper (to taste)
- Egg (1, for egg wash)
Preparation
Step 1: Preparing the Filling
Start by heating olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent. Add the red pepper and garlic, cooking until they soften. Stir in the chorizo, allowing it to cook through and release its flavors, about 5 minutes.
Once cooked, remove from heat and let cool. Add Manchego cheese, paprika, and fresh thyme. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix everything well and set aside.
Step 2: Assembling the Bites
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the phyllo pastry and keep it covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying. Take a sheet and brush with olive oil. Layer another sheet on top and brush again.
Cut the layered sheets into squares. Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each square. Gather the edges and pinch them together to form a parcel. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat until all filling and pastry are used.
Step 3: Baking
Brush each parcel with a beaten egg for a golden finish. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until phyllo pastry is golden and crispy. Be sure to set your cooking timer to avoid overbaking.
Enjoying Your Golden Basin Bites
These appetizing bites are best enjoyed hot, straight from the oven. Pair with a crisp white wine such as Albariño or a light red like Pinot Noir to complement the flavors of the chorizo and Manchego cheese. Serve them with AIoli or spicy tomato sauce for an extra kick. Additionally, they make a superb addition to any tapas-style dinner or cocktail party.