Rolls needn’t just be sweet, as our vegan spinach rolls with caramelized onions recipe proves. It is here that fluffy dough meets creamy cream cheese, fresh spinach, and savory-sweet onions. Ideal as a snack for in-between, the next picnic, or as a side dish at a barbecue, you’ve got to try this now!
Our Recipe for Vegan Spinach Rolls with Caramelized Onions
We opted for a yeast dough for this roll recipe, but if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought vegan puff pastry instead. But, if you have time, we think that this is the perfect practice recipe to perfect the art of dough. With the right tips, tricks, and know-how you’ll find that making puff pastry is much easier than you might think!
Start by making sure to always dissolve the yeast in lukewarm liquid, this will make sure the yeast properly activates. Otherwise, your dough won’t rise at all or won’t bake evenly. On the flipside, the water should definitely not be hot. Any temperature above 104°F will actually kill the yeast! Mildly warm water will make sure that your yeast doesn’t only survive, but thrive.
Patience is just as important. Let your dough rise for at least an hour so it can really reach that perfect volume. Covering your dough and setting it in a warm place, will also help your dough rise nicely and easily. We suggest preheating your oven to about 86°F, then cut the heat, and let the dough rest there.
And last but not least: Knead the dough thoroughly, for at least five to seven minutes. This helps bind the gluten in the flour, meaning that the dough will be nice and fluffy later. Tip: It works best with your hands, so don’t be shy! Get your hands on the dough and enjoy creating something delicious!
Once the dough is prepared and shaped, it’s all smooth and easy sailing from the there. Roll the dough into a rectangle, and then spread vegan cream cheese over it. Top it with fresh spinach and caramelized onions. Roll it up, cut into slices, and pop it into the oven. Enjoy!
Here at Scrumdiddlyumptious, we love how fresh vegan cooking can be. Not only with our vegan spinach rolls, but corn ribs, vegan rainbow lasagna, and dill pickle hummus.
Vegan Spinach Rolls with Caramelized Onions
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- ½ cup water lukewarm
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp oil
For the filling:
- 2 red onions
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 tbsp agave syrup
- 5½ cups fresh spinach
- 1 garlic clove
- ½ cup vegan cream cheese
- salt, pepper & nutmeg to taste
Instructions
- Preheated the oven at 350°F (convection) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat.
- Dissolve the sugar and yeast in the lukewarm water and let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
- Add the flour, salt, and oil to a bowl. Add the yeast mixture and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Meanwhile, peel and thinly slice the onions. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until softened and golden brown. Add the agave syrup, stir well, and let the onions caramelize slightly. Set aside.
- Peel and finely chop the garlic. Sauté it in a pan with some oil. Add the spinach and sauté until wilted.
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle (about 12 x 16 inches).
- Spread a thin layer of vegan cream cheese over the dough. Evenly distribute the spinach over the dough and sprinkle with the caramelized onions. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Tightly roll the dough from the long side to form a long roll. Using a knife, cut the roll into ¾-inch thick slices.
- Place the rolls cut-side up on the baking sheet. Let them rest for another 15 minutes at room temperature.
- Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
- Let the rolls cool for 5 minutes and serve warm or at room temperature.