Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the pristine coastlines of Florida! This extraordinary strudel combines the delicate sweetness of fresh lump crabmeat with the tender, unique texture of hearts of palm, all wrapped in a perfectly crispy, golden phyllo pastry. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe promises an unforgettable gastronomic experience that elevates seafood to an art form.
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Phyllo dough
- Lump crabmeat
- Fresh Florida hearts of palm, sliced
- Low-fat cream cheese
- Egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium mixing bowl, gently combine lump crabmeat with sliced fresh Florida hearts of palm, being careful not to break the delicate crabmeat chunks.
- Soften the low-fat cream cheese at room temperature and fold it into the crabmeat and hearts of palm mixture, creating a light and creamy filling.
- Carefully unroll the phyllo dough sheets and cover with a slightly damp kitchen towel to prevent drying.
- Layer 3-4 phyllo sheets, brushing each layer lightly with melted butter or olive oil to ensure a crisp, flaky texture.
- Spread the crabmeat and hearts of palm mixture evenly along one long edge of the phyllo stack, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Carefully roll the phyllo dough into a tight strudel, tucking in the sides to seal the filling completely.
- Transfer the strudel to the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down.
- Brush the entire surface of the strudel with beaten egg wash to create a golden, glossy finish.
- Make 2-3 small diagonal slits on top of the strudel to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow the filling to set.
- Slice into portions and serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs or a light citrus sauce if desired.
Tips
- Keep phyllo dough cold and covered with a damp towel to prevent drying and cracking
- Use gentle hands when mixing crabmeat to maintain delicate chunks
- Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth blending
- Brush phyllo layers lightly with butter or oil - too much can make the pastry soggy
- Create small steam vents to prevent the strudel from becoming too moist
- Let the strudel rest after baking to allow filling to set and make slicing easier
- For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like chives or dill to the filling
- Serve immediately for the crispiest, most delightful texture
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 95mg
