Vegan Spinach Rolls - recipe & pictures

I'm pretty sure all the mums and dads out there know this feeling: more and more school parties are coming especially at the end of the year were they ask for a food contribution from the parents. And when I think of the ones I attended lately, then the buffet consisted mostly of sweet things like cake or muffins and people were desperately eating the chips someone had brought. So this time I though I was smarter and prepare something savory - for all those desperate and hungry people, since the school thing was in the evening.

I wanted to make something vegan of course, but it still should not be too special, so that everyone would enjoy it. Most practical thing is always finger food, since you don't want to cause any extra mess or too much inconvenience if people would need plates or cutlery. And another thing, it should also taste good cold, since you have to bring it and there is no opportunity to warm it at school. Puh lot of things to consider :-).

I decided to go for yeast rolls, since I know most people really like them, they are easy to prepare and usually fool proof as well. Filled with Spinach and au gratin with cheese (vegan cheese of course - I'm sure no one noticed) - just delicious.

Recipe:
Dough:
1/2 cube yeast (or 1 package dried yeast)
200 ml water
1 TSP sugar
400 gr. spelt flour
25 ml olive oil
1 TSP salt

Filling:
1 shallot
250 gr. fresh spinach
100 ml vegan cream (e.g. oat or soy)
salt
pepper
nutmeg
paprika
vegan cheese (that melts)

How To:
Dough:
Mix water, sugar and yeast and heat up until the sugar and yeast is fully dissolved
Add the other ingredients and knead into a dough
Let rise for 1 hour at least
Filling: :
Peel and finely chop the shalot
Roast in a pan with olive oil
Roughly chop the spinach and add to the shallots, stew for 3-4 minutes and then add the vegan cream
Let simmer for another 5 minutes and season to taste with the spices
Let cool down
!Rolls:
Preheat the oven to 200 degree
Roll out the dough into a square (ca. 30x40 cm) on a dusted worktop
Add the filling, bit leave a 1 cm rim
Roll up and cut 1-2 cm wide slices, depending how big you want to have the rolls
Add to a baking pan and let rise for another 15-20 minutes
Sprinkle with vegan cheese
Bake for 30 minutes until golden
Enjoy warm or cold

The rolls are also delicious accompanied by a salad, as snack or perfect for a picknick or brunch. They would also be just the right thing for a New Years Eve celebration buffet. Make sure you try them, I'm certain you won't be disappointed and they are loved by non-vegans as well.

Love Verena