Mushroom, shallot & chestnut parcels

Step by Step

Step 1

Soak the porcini in boiling water for 15 minutes, then drain and chop. Melt 25g of the butter in a large saucepan and gently fry the shallots and garlic for 5 minutes until soft. Add all the mushrooms and cook over a high heat for 3-4 minutes until golden and just tender. Remove from the heat and stir in the Madeira, parsley, chestnuts, pine nuts and seasoning. Leave to cool.

Step 2

Preheat the oven to 200°C, gas mark 6. Steam the spinach for 2 minutes until wilted then squeeze out any water. Melt the remaining butter. Lay a clean tea towel on the work surface. Cut the stack of pastry sheets into 6 even squares. Brush each pastry square with melted butter. Lay 6 pieces in a fanned-out circle on the tea towel. Repeat with the remaining pastry to make 6 circles.

Step 3

Spread the sun-dried tomato paste over the centre of each circle, followed by some steamed spinach on top. Spoon the mushroom mixture over the spinach. Gather up the pastry edges and pinch together firmly to seal into a pouch shape.

Step 4

Carefully lift the parcels onto a large baking sheet and brush with the remaining butter. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden. Remove from the oven then carefully tie with strips of leek like a bow.