Discover easy filo pastry recipes from Ravinder Bhogal, including a savory cheese pie, crispy seed crackers, and delicate prawn rolls. These versatile dishes showcase the lightness and crunch of filo, perfect for both sweet and savory creations.
Why Cook with Filo Pastry?
Filo pastry is a gossamer-thin dough that bakes to a delightful crispness. It's incredibly versatile, working beautifully in both sweet and savory recipes. While making filo from scratch is time-consuming, quality ready-made versions are widely available, making it easy to enjoy at home.
When using frozen filo, ensure it's fully defrosted. Always keep unused sheets under a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out and cracking.
Ravinder Bhogal's Cheese and Spring Onion Pie
This pie features four varieties of cheese and a ruffly top of crisp, golden filo. It's a simple yet impressive dish that serves six.
Ingredients
- 300g feta, crumbled
- 250g firm ricotta, crumbled
- 200g halloumi, grated
- 150g gruyere or sharp cheddar, grated
- 150ml single cream
- 3 eggs
- 25g chives, finely chopped
- 25g dill, finely chopped
- 25g flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
- 1 large bunch spring onions (8-10), trimmed and finely sliced
- Finely grated zest of 1 unwaxed lemon
- Nutmeg
- Sea salt and black pepper
- 125g butter, melted
- 8 sheets filo
- Sesame seeds, to scatter
Method
Heat the oven to 180C (160C fan)/350F/gas 4. In a large bowl, combine the cheeses, cream, eggs, herbs, spring onion, lemon zest, and a good grating of nutmeg. Season to taste.

Line the base of a 20-23cm cake tin with some of the filo, brushing each sheet with melted butter. Add the cheese mixture, then top with the remaining filo, scrunching it to create a ruffled effect. Brush with more butter and scatter with sesame seeds. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until golden and set. Let cool slightly before serving.
Seed Crackers and Prawn Rolls
Beyond the pie, Bhogal offers other filo delights. Seed crackers are a healthy, crunchy snack, while prawn rolls make for elegant appetizers. Both are simple to prepare and perfect for entertaining.
Comparison of Filo Recipes
| Recipe | Difficulty | Time | Occasion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheese Pie | Easy | 1 hr 15 min | Main dish |
| Seed Crackers | Very Easy | 30 min | Snack |
| Prawn Rolls | Moderate | 45 min | Appetizer |
Key Takeaways for Perfect Filo Dishes
- Keep filo covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying.
- Use good-quality ready-made filo for convenience.
- Brush each layer with melted butter for a golden, crispy finish.
- Experiment with both sweet and savory fillings.
FAQ
Can I make filo pastry from scratch?
How do I store leftover filo pastry?
Can I use filo for sweet desserts?
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