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Vol-au-vent

⏱ 30 min🍳 20 min👤 4 pp★★★☆☆

Creativity and originality are the best allies of a cook who wants to make their mark, and inspire those who are going to sit around the dining table and share their homemade food: everything is even more fun when we discover unusual ingredients from the cuisine of other countries. Today we visit France and are going to make some tasty vol-au-vents, those little containers of puff pastry which have within them tempting and surprising fillings, ideal for serving as starters characterized by their unique taste and appearance; furthermore, the most appealing thing is that you can use them to contain your favourite ingredients as a filling. Be inspired by the creativity of our chef, follow his advice, and you’ll get an impeccable vol-au-vent - the kind that will have your guests licking their lips.

Ingredients

Nutritional values 520 kcal / serving
Protein
18g
Carbohydrates
38g
Fat
32g
Fiber
1g

* approximate values per serving

Information
30 minutes Preparation time
20 minutes Cooking time
Serves 4 persons
★★★☆☆ Challenging

Preparation

Roll up small pieces of frankfurter with strips of puff pastry one by one. For the salmon vol-au-vents, cut out portions with a star-shaped pastry cutter and use them to encase pieces of salmon. Seal the points of the star by pressing firmly so as to create a container for the salmon. Use pieces of smoked salmon as the filling. Boil the swiss chard and chop it up well, then squeeze out any remaining water. Add the ricotta to the chopped chard. Grate the parmesan and add to mixture, along with some nutmeg, finally adding salt and pepper. Cut not-too-large circular portions of puff pastry with a pastry cutter and place half a teaspoon of the chard filling in the middle of the puff pastry circle. Fold over to make a half-moon shape and prick them with the tip of a knife. Then place in a fan oven for 20 minutes at 180°C.

Tips
Our recipe for vol-au-vents is ideal for creating a nibble to have with drinks before the main meal begins.
Trivia
The name ‘vol-au-vent’ is clearly of French origin, and literally means ‘windblown’ in reference to their lightness.

Step by step

Frankfurter
Frankfurter
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Vol-au-vent with sausages and ricotta

One of the most appreciated variations of vol-au-vent is the one prepared with sausages and ricotta. This simple and quick recipe is perfect for a tasty appetizer or a buffet. To prepare it, just roll the puff pastry around the sausages, creating containers that will then be filled with a mix of ricotta and spices, such as nutmeg, to enhance the flavor. You can also add aromatic herbs for an extra touch. These vol-au-vent are ideal for those looking for a delicious and original dish, perfect for any occasion. The combination of flavors is truly enveloping, and the lightness of the puff pastry makes these preparations irresistible.

Vol-au-vent with salmon and Swiss chard

Another very interesting variation of vol-au-vent is the one with smoked salmon and Swiss chard. This version, which deviates from the French tradition, is perfect for those who love fresh and marine flavors. To make it, you can use discs of puff pastry, creating small stars or shapes of your choice, which you will bake until golden and crispy. Once ready, fill them with a mix of diced smoked salmon and boiled and chopped Swiss chard. This dish is an excellent choice for an elegant aperitif or a light dinner, thanks to the combination of ingredients that complement each other perfectly. The presence of Swiss chard adds an element of freshness and lightness to the preparation, making the vol-au-vent even more flavorful.

Light vol-au-vent with ricotta and vegetables

For those looking for a lighter version of vol-au-vent, one can opt for a preparation with ricotta and vegetables. This recipe is ideal for those who want to maintain flavor without feeling too heavy. By using whole wheat puff pastry or reducing the amount of pastry, a healthier dish can be achieved. Filling the vol-au-vent with ricotta and seasonal vegetables, such as zucchini or spinach, allows for a low-calorie intake while benefiting from the nutritional properties of the vegetables. This variant is perfect for those following a balanced diet but who do not want to give up on the pleasure of taste. Additionally, light vol-au-vent are easy to prepare and can be served both warm and cold, making them versatile for any time of day.

Benefits of salmon and Swiss chard in vol-au-vent

Salmon and Swiss chard, the main ingredients of some variations of vol-au-vent, offer numerous health benefits. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which promote heart and brain health, while Swiss chard is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as containing minerals like iron and magnesium. This mix of nutrients makes vol-au-vent not only tasty but also a nutritious option. On average, a serving of vol-au-vent with salmon and Swiss chard can contain about 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of puff pastry used. Incorporating these ingredients into the diet can help improve overall well-being, making vol-au-vent a conscious and healthy choice.

Can vol-au-vent be frozen?

A common question among cooking enthusiasts is whether vol-au-vent can be frozen. The answer is yes, it is possible to freeze them, but there are some precautions to follow. For optimal preservation, it is advisable to freeze the vol-au-vent before baking them, so they maintain their texture and crispness. Once ready, you can bake them directly from the freezer, slightly increasing the cooking time. If you have already baked the vol-au-vent, you can freeze them, but the final result may not be as crispy. Remember to store them in an airtight container or wrap them well with plastic wrap to avoid freezer burn. This way, you can enjoy them later, saving time in preparing a tasty appetizer.