Lamb and Cheese Pastries
Photography by Aaron McLean.
This original sweet-savoury snack is perfect for weekend parties. Crispy outside and soft inside it's heavenly delicious.
INGREDIENTS
Filling
2 tablespoons olive oil
300 grams lamb mince
3 spring onions, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 teaspoon sweet smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1⁄2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1⁄4 cup chopped coriander or flat-leaf parsley
1 free-range egg, beaten
100 grams ricotta or cottage cheese, well drained
50 grams gruyere or cheddar cheese, grated
sea salt and freshly ground pepper
To assemble
filo pastry
melted butter
icing sugar
ground cinnamon
METHOD
Filling: Heat the olive oil in a sauté pan and cook the lamb over a high heat until nicely browned. Break the meat up with the back of a spoon so there are no large lumps. Add the spring onions, garlic, paprika, cumin and cinnamon, season well and cook for 3-4 minutes. Tip into a bowl and cool for 10 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients and mix well. Cool.
Preheat the oven to 200°C.
To assemble: Working with one sheet of filo pastry at a time, place it on the bench and brush with melted butter. Fold in half and turn so the long side is towards you. Brush the edges with butter. Place a line of filling along the side closest to you, leaving a 2 cm border each end. Roll up to form a cigar, leaving the ends untucked. Gently squeeze the ends to form a ‘cracker’. Place on a lined baking tray and brush with butter. Repeat with the remaining filling and filo.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden and very crisp. Arrange on a serving platter and dust with icing sugar and a pinch of cinnamon. Makes 12

Keep up to date with
dish weekly recipes,
food news, and events.
latest issue:
Issue #121
As winter arrives, so does the latest issue of dish! With over 60 recipes this edition features seasonal produce like pumpkin, leeks and silverbeet whipped into delicious dinners. Pasta takes centre-stage in 5 outrageously tasty recipes, then we break out the slow cooker and amp up the comfort with cozy roasts and braises. Winter wouldn’t be the same without a hearty pie or two, and we have a selection – from Beef Cheek Pot Pie to Moroccan Shepherd’s Pie. Food Fast has your speedy weeknight dinners covered then Melie brings the magic with inventive chicken dishes while Olivia’s baking and desserts will brighten the even the coldest days.