Mushroom Xacuti Puffs
Flaky, golden puff pastry pockets filled with a richly spiced, aromatic Goan mushroom xacuti masala. This fusion appetizer is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any party or high-tea gathering.
For 12 servings
Prepare the Xacuti Masala Paste
- In a dry pan over low-medium heat, add coriander seeds, cumin seeds, poppy seeds, black peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon, and star anise. Dry roast for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the dried red chillies and grated coconut. Continue roasting for another 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the coconut turns golden brown. Avoid burning.
- Remove the pan from the heat and allow the roasted spices to cool completely.
- Transfer the cooled mixture to a grinder. Add turmeric powder, tamarind paste, and 2-3 tablespoons of water. Grind into a thick, smooth paste.
Cook the Mushroom Filling
- Heat vegetable oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1 minute until its raw aroma disappears.
- Add the finely chopped mushrooms and salt. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mushrooms will release water; continue cooking until all the moisture has evaporated and the mixture is dry.
- Stir in the prepared Xacuti masala paste. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, ensuring the masala is well-cooked and coats the mushrooms evenly.
- Turn off the heat, mix in the chopped coriander leaves, and set the filling aside to cool down completely.
Assemble the Puffs
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, unroll the thawed puff pastry sheets. Cut each sheet into 6 equal squares, for a total of 12 squares.
- Spoon about 1.5 tablespoons of the cooled mushroom filling onto the center of each pastry square.
- Fold one corner of the square over to the opposite corner to form a triangle. Press the edges firmly to seal. Crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative and secure seal.
- Carefully arrange the assembled puffs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
Bake to Perfection
- Lightly brush the tops of the puffs with milk for a golden-brown finish. For a deeper gloss, you can use an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water).
- If using, sprinkle sesame seeds over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the puffs are well-risen, flaky, and deep golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. They are best enjoyed warm.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure the mushroom filling is completely cool and dry before stuffing. A warm or wet filling will result in soggy pastry.
- 2Do not overfill the puffs, as they might burst open during baking.
- 3Seal the edges of the pastry very well to prevent the delicious filling from leaking out.
- 4For an extra glossy finish, use an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water) instead of milk.
- 5For best results, bake the puffs immediately after assembling. Letting them sit for too long can affect the rise.
- 6To reheat, place leftover puffs in an oven or air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Adapt it for your goals.
Filling
Replace mushrooms with finely chopped paneer, boiled potatoes, mixed vegetables, or minced chicken for a different flavor profile.
Spice LevelSpice Level
Increase the number of dried red chillies or add a pinch of red chilli powder to the filling for a spicier kick.
ShapeShape
Cut the pastry into circles and fold them into half-moons (like a Karanji) or cut into rectangles and fold over.
VeganVegan
Ensure your puff pastry is vegan (many store-bought versions are). Brush with a plant-based milk like soy or almond milk before baking.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in B Vitamins
Mushrooms are a good source of B vitamins like riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid, which are essential for energy production and maintaining a healthy nervous system.
Anti-inflammatory Spices
The Xacuti masala contains spices like turmeric, cinnamon, and cloves, which are known for their potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping to combat oxidative stress in the body.
Source of Healthy Fats
Coconut provides medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of fat that is more easily digested and used for energy compared to other saturated fats.
Frequently asked questions
Each Mushroom Xacuti Puff contains approximately 230-250 calories, depending on the specific brand of puff pastry used.
