Savory Strudel with Ham and Zucchini

The savory strudel with ham and zucchini is a tasty variant of the traditional strudel, usually sweet. Here’s how to prepare it.

Ingredients

• 1 roll of rectangular puff pastry
• 100 g of cooked ham cut into cubes
• 2-3 medium zucchini
• 1 small onion
• 100 g of grated cheese (e.g. Emmental, Gouda or a mix for savory pies)
• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg (for brushing)
• Sesame or poppy seeds (optional)

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
2. Cut the zucchini into thin slices and finely chop the onion. In a pan, heat the oil and sauté the onion until it becomes translucent.
3. Add the zucchini slices and let them cook until soft but still slightly crunchy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. After cooking the zucchini, add the ham cubes and mix for a couple of minutes.
5. Unroll the puff pastry on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
6. Spread the zucchini and ham mixture in the center of the puff pastry, leaving a border of about 3 cm free. Sprinkle the grated cheese over the filling.
7. Close the strudel by folding the edges of the puff pastry over themselves, and brush the surface with the beaten egg. If desired, you can also sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds.
8. Bake and cook for about 25-30 minutes or until the outside of the strudel is golden and crispy.
9. Let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Fun Facts

The strudel, best known in its sweet apple version, is a typical dish of several Central European cuisines. Its savory version can be adapted with countless fillings, making it a very versatile dish that suits every season thanks to the possibility of using different ingredients.