Pastry, though often associated with confectionery varieties, should never be so confined. There is a whole world of pastries filled with potatoes, vegetables, and proteins that take shape with spices true to their specific cuisines. Check out these five dishes from local restaurants that use buttery, flaky dough in deeply savory ways.
Samosas
Samosas are a familiar appetizer to a family-style meal of Indian dishes at Persis. The spiced potato and pea-filled turnovers are fried to golden perfection and served with two sauces: sweet and tangy tamarind and bright green mint chutney. 4650 Corona Dr.
Garden Vegetable Puff Pastry
A colorful variety of garden vegetables is baked into a puff pastry and drizzled with a chipotle aioli that really takes this tart to the next level. Enjoy this appetizer alongside an array of crab cakes and fried green tomatoes for a shareable meal sure to satisfy. 100 N. Shoreline Blvd.
Spanakopita
For a dish filled with an unbelievable amount of spinach, it still feels like a savory treat. Two layers of golden crispy filo dough are filled with seasoned spinach and feta cheese. Factor this dish into your feast of gyro and souvlaki. 4360 S. Alameda St.
Potato Stuffed Empanadas
Think samosa with the flavors of a savory empanada and you have the potato-stuffed empanadas from BUS. The potato filling is seasoned with a Mexican spice variety, deep fried and served with a bright cilantro sauce — perfect for enjoying alongside ahi tuna tostadas and dressed chicharrones. 702 N. Chaparral St.
Curry Puffs
Take the best parts of the yellow curry at Thai Cottage and enjoy it enveloped in a deep-fried pastry. Chicken and potatoes seasoned with curry paste make up the filling, and the puffs are served with a light and bright cucumber sauce. 5830 McArdle Road
