Snacks

Lamb And Spinach Turnovers

Name: Lamb And Spinach Turnovers
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) lamb shoulder, diced; 2 cups (200g) fresh spinach leaves; 1 sheet (250g) puff pastry, thawed; 1/2 cup (120g) grated feta cheese; 1/4 cup (60g) chopped fresh parsley; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 egg, beaten

By Felix Ironside · June 19, 2026 · Snacks

Prep20 min

Cook20 min

Total40 min

Serves8

I still remember the first time I made lamb and spinach turnovers. It was a chilly winter evening, and I was looking for a hearty snack that would warm my belly and satisfy my cravings. I had some leftover lamb and spinach in the fridge, and I decided to combine them with some flaky pastry to create a delicious and easy protein-forward meal.

As a former competitive rower, I've always been passionate about cooking and trying out new recipes. But it wasn't until I started experimenting with different ingredients and techniques that I realized the importance of using high-quality ingredients and paying attention to the little details that make a dish truly special.

These lamb and spinach turnovers are a perfect example of a recipe that's both easy to make and packed with flavor. The combination of tender lamb, fresh spinach, and flaky pastry is a match made in heaven, and the best part is that you can make them ahead of time and freeze them for later.

Whether you're a busy professional looking for a quick and easy snack or a home cook who wants to impress your friends and family with a delicious and satisfying meal, these lamb and spinach turnovers are sure to become a favorite. So go ahead, give them a try, and let me know what you think!

In this recipe, I'll walk you through the steps to make these delicious turnovers, from preparing the ingredients to assembling and baking them. I'll also share some tips and variations to help you make the most of this recipe and make it your own.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These lamb and spinach turnovers are easy to make and require minimal ingredients.
They're perfect for a quick and easy snack or meal, and can be made ahead of time and frozen for later.
The combination of tender lamb, fresh spinach, and flaky pastry is a match made in heaven.
You can customize the recipe to your taste by adding your favorite herbs and spices.
They're a great way to use up leftover lamb and spinach, and can be served with a variety of sides and salads.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making these lamb and spinach turnovers work is to use high-quality ingredients and pay attention to the little details. First, you need to make sure that your lamb is cooked to the right temperature, so it's tender and juicy. Then, you need to choose the right type of pastry, one that's flaky and buttery, but not too thick or overpowering.

Another important thing to consider is the balance of flavors. You want to make sure that the lamb and spinach are seasoned with the right amount of salt, pepper, and herbs, so they complement each other without overpowering the other ingredients. Finally, you need to assemble the turnovers carefully, so they're sealed tight and bake evenly.

By following these tips and paying attention to the little details, you'll be able to create delicious lamb and spinach turnovers that are sure to impress your friends and family. And the best part is that you can make them ahead of time and freeze them for later, so they're perfect for a quick and easy snack or meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these delicious lamb and spinach turnovers, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including lamb, spinach, pastry, and some basic spices and seasonings. The most important thing is to choose high-quality ingredients that are fresh and flavorful, so your turnovers turn out delicious and satisfying.

When shopping for ingredients, look for lamb that's tender and lean, and spinach that's fresh and vibrant. You'll also need to choose a good quality pastry that's flaky and buttery, but not too thick or overpowering. With these ingredients, you'll be able to create delicious lamb and spinach turnovers that are sure to become a favorite.

1 lb (450g) lamb shoulder, dicedLook for lamb that's tender and lean, and cut it into small dice so it cooks evenly.
2 cups (200g) fresh spinach leavesChoose fresh spinach that's vibrant and flavorful, and chop it coarsely so it distributes evenly throughout the filling.
1 sheet (250g) puff pastry, thawedSelect a good quality pastry that's flaky and buttery, but not too thick or overpowering.
1/2 cup (120g) grated feta cheeseFeta adds a tangy, salty flavor to the filling, so choose a good quality cheese that's crumbly and fresh.
1/4 cup (60g) chopped fresh parsleyParsley adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the filling, so choose fresh parsley that's vibrant and flavorful.
2 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic adds a pungent flavor to the filling, so mince it finely and sauté it with the lamb until it's fragrant.
1/2 teaspoon saltSalt enhances the flavors of the filling, so use a good quality salt that's fresh and flavorful.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperPepper adds a subtle, spicy flavor to the filling, so use a good quality pepper that's fresh and flavorful.
1 tablespoon olive oilOlive oil adds a rich, fruity flavor to the filling, so choose a good quality oil that's fresh and flavorful.
1 egg, beatenThe egg helps to seal the pastry and create a golden glaze, so beat it lightly and brush it over the pastry before baking.

Ingredients for Lamb And Spinach Turnovers

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or sauté panSharp chef's knifeCutting boardPastry brushInstant-read thermometerBaking sheet lined with parchment paper

How to Make Lamb And Spinach Turnovers

1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the lamb and cook until it's browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
3
Add the garlic, salt, and pepper to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant.
4
Stir in the spinach and cook until it's wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
5
In a large bowl, combine the cooked lamb mixture, feta cheese, parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to combine.
6
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to a thickness of about 1/8 inch (3mm).
7
Use a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out circles of pastry, about 3-4 inches (7-10cm) in diameter.
8
Place a tablespoon or two of the lamb filling in the center of each pastry circle, leaving a 1/2 inch (1cm) border around the edges.
9
Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg and fold the pastry in half over the filling, pressing the edges together to seal.
10
Use a fork to crimp the edges of the pastry and create a decorative border.
11
Place the turnovers on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch (2.5cm) of space between each turnover.
12
Brush the tops of the turnovers with the beaten egg and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown.
13
Remove the turnovers from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Expert Tips

Make sure to cook the lamb until it's browned and cooked through, so the filling is tender and flavorful.
Don't overfill the pastry, or the filling will spill out during baking.
Use a good quality puff pastry that's flaky and buttery, so the turnovers are light and delicious.
Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg, so the turnovers are golden and sealed.
Let the turnovers cool for a few minutes before serving, so the filling sets and the pastry is crispy.
Experiment with different herbs and spices to add more flavor to the filling.
Consider making the turnovers ahead of time and freezing them for later, so you can bake them fresh when you need them.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overfilling the pastry, which can cause the filling to spill out during baking.
Not cooking the lamb until it's browned and cooked through, which can result in a tough and flavorless filling.
Using a low-quality puff pastry that's thick and overpowering, which can make the turnovers heavy and unpleasant.
Not brushing the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg, which can prevent the turnovers from sealing properly.
Not letting the turnovers cool for a few minutes before serving, which can cause the filling to be runny and the pastry to be soft.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced onions or shallots to the lamb filling for extra flavor.
Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or parmesan, to add more flavor to the filling.
Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to the lamb filling for extra flavor.
Use a different type of pastry, such as phyllo or shortcrust, to create a different texture and flavor.
Add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the lamb filling for extra flavor and nutrition.
Consider making the turnovers in a mini size, so they're perfect for a party or appetizer.

What to Serve With Lamb And Spinach Turnovers

These lamb and spinach turnovers are perfect as a snack or light meal, and can be served with a variety of sides and salads. Consider serving them with a simple green salad, a bowl of soup, or a side of roasted vegetables. They're also delicious with a dollop of tzatziki sauce or a sprinkle of feta cheese.

For a more substantial meal, try serving the turnovers with a side of quinoa or brown rice, and a simple sauté of spinach and garlic. You could also serve them with a side of roasted sweet potatoes or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.

Serve with a simple green saladServe with a bowl of soupServe with a side of roasted vegetablesServe with a dollop of tzatziki sauceServe with a sprinkle of feta cheese

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

These lamb and spinach turnovers can be made ahead of time and frozen for later, so you can bake them fresh when you need them. Simply assemble the turnovers and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen turnovers to a freezer-safe bag or container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To bake the frozen turnovers, simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown.

If you want to store the turnovers in the fridge, you can assemble them and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Simply bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown.

To reheat the turnovers, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-10 minutes, until the pastry is crispy and the filling is warm. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat, as the pastry can become soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the lamb and spinach turnovers ahead of time and freeze them for later?

Yes, you can make the turnovers ahead of time and freeze them for later. Simply assemble the turnovers and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen turnovers to a freezer-safe bag or container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How do I reheat the lamb and spinach turnovers?

Can I use a different type of pastry for the lamb and spinach turnovers?

Yes, you can use a different type of pastry for the lamb and spinach turnovers. Consider using phyllo or shortcrust pastry for a different texture and flavor.

How do I prevent the lamb and spinach turnovers from becoming soggy?

To prevent the turnovers from becoming soggy, make sure to brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg and seal the turnovers tightly. You can also try baking the turnovers for a few extra minutes to crisp up the pastry.

Can I add other ingredients to the lamb and spinach filling?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the lamb and spinach filling. Consider adding diced onions or shallots, chopped fresh herbs, or grated cheese to add more flavor to the filling.

How do I store the lamb and spinach turnovers in the fridge?

To store the turnovers in the fridge, assemble them and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Simply bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown.

Can I make the lamb and spinach turnovers in a mini size?

Yes, you can make the turnovers in a mini size. Simply use a smaller cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out the pastry, and fill with a smaller amount of filling. Bake the mini turnovers for 10-15 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown.

How do I prevent the lamb and spinach turnovers from burning?

To prevent the turnovers from burning, make sure to bake them at the correct temperature and for the correct amount of time. Keep an eye on the turnovers while they're baking, and remove them from the oven when the pastry is golden brown.

The Full Recipe

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