Lecce-style pasty

The Lecce-style pasty is a specialty of Lecce and indeed of the entire Salento region. It is a really delicious, and quite irresistible, pasty or pie - certainly "fast food" but also traditional and genuinely local with a creamy cheese centre and a puff pastry casing. The Lecce-style pasty is perfect for satisfying your hunger before lunch or dinner! The locals of Lecce love this pasty of course, so it's not difficult to find it in practically every bar, takeaway pizzeria, fast-food joint and supermarket in the area. If during your holidays in Salento you tried this pasty and loved it, do have a go at making it yourself - it's not that hard!

Cut some circles from the rolled-out puff pastry, using a fairly large pastry cutter or a cup. Put some diced mozzarella in the centre of each pastry circle, along with a teaspoon of béchamel sauce, if possible home-made, and a teaspoon of tomato paste - not too watery. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Brush the edges with the beaten egg. Cover with another pastry circle and press down the edges well. Brush the surface with more egg. Let the pasties stand for half an hour and then bake for 15 minutes at 200°C.