The stuffed Christmas tree is my favorite recipe among quick vegan appetizers without molds. The dough is ready in no time, it rises quickly, and you can prepare it in the color you prefer. This flavorful Christmas tree is perfect as an appetizer or for a family dinner in front of the TV. With the same procedure, you can create puff pastry trees, a vegetable savory pie, or pinwheels; all without eggs, cheese, and milk. It’s also ideal for those lactose intolerant.
SEASON for the vegan appetizer shaped like a Christmas tree: ideal for all the Christmas holidays. Vegetables that can be used: #pumpkin or #kale
Vegan IDEAS for Christmas
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 20 Minutes
- Portions: 6 People
- Cooking methods: Oven
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Seasonality: Christmas, New Year's Eve
- Energy 193.77 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 28.80 (g) of which sugars 1.39 (g)
- Proteins 4.81 (g)
- Fat 7.46 (g) of which saturated 1.25 (g)of which unsaturated 5.84 (g)
- Fibers 1.38 (g)
- Sodium 66.45 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 78 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Christmas Tree Savory Pie
Alternatively, use a rectangular puff pastry sheet and cut into 16 equal parts
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsps peanut oil (or extra virgin olive oil)
- 1/2 cup water
- Half packet baking powder (or savory – both achieve the same result)
- 1 pinch fine salt
- 1 cup pumpkin (already cooked + 1 tablespoon of oil + 1 pinch of salt)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (white or black)
- 1 tsp chia seeds
- 1 tsp poppy seeds
- 1 tsp sunflower seeds (or pumpkin seeds)
Tools
- Rolling pin (or use fingers)
- Baking sheet standard size
- Parchment paper reusable (or silicone baking mat)
How to make the Christmas Tree Savory Pie?
Prepare the filling
ORANGE: place the already cooked and mashed pumpkin with a fork in a cup along with the seasoning (oil, salt, and preferred spices) and mix.
GREEN: use kale pesto or another type based on the season.
RED: mix the tomato paste with oil and a little salt.
Prepare the dough
In a bowl, pour all the dough ingredients: flour, water, oil, salt, and sifted baking powder.
Initially mix with a fork and then with your hands, then transfer it to the work surface and form a smooth ball. Divide it in half and then again in half and once more until you get 16 pieces.
Assemble the vegan savory pie
Roll each small roll into a rectangle (as in the photo) with your fingers or with a small rolling pin and prick the entire surface with a fork.
Place the filling on top of each single spiral and roll it up, pricking its surface.
Arrange the 16 rolls in a scale pattern as in the photo: 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 and finally use a larger and chubbier roll for the trunk which should be laid horizontally, slightly wet its surface and cover with sesame or poppy seeds.
BAKING
Bake in a preheated static oven at 356°F for 25 – 30 minutes or until cooked.
Serve the Christmas tree-shaped savory pie hot, warm, or cold, it will always be good.
POSSIBLE COLORFUL FILLINGS for the Christmas Tree Savory Pie
– RED: 90 g tomato paste + 1 tablespoon of oil + 1 pinch of salt
– GREEN: 100 g kale pesto or ready-made basil
How to store the stuffed savory pie?
– at room temperature for up to 2 days
– in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Remove from the fridge a few hours before serving or slightly warm it in the microwave oven.
Quick Variants for VEGETARIANS
Add to the sauce cheese without animal rennet: grated or creamy (for example: robiola, mascarpone, crescenza, casatella philadelphia or ricotta).
Very Quick Variants for OMNIVORES
Use as filling:
– cod, smoked swordfish or smoked salmon
– anchovy fillets or anchovies with olive pieces
– 100 g of thin slices of cold cuts (speck, mortadella, salami, ham) and 150 g of thinly sliced cheese (caciotta, scamorza, sliced cheese).
