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Imagine a shell that shatters with a distinct, golden crunch to reveal a center that doesn’t just sit there, it oozes. These aren’t just tuna pies; they are individual "vaults" or “parcels” of flavor designed to stand with the same architectural stature as the ancient storage jars they mimic. While a roast chicken croquette might act as a bridge between seasons, these parcels represent a full immersion into the aromatic heart of spring. 

We’ve traded the sharp bite of scallions for the buttery, slow-sautéed sweetness of leeks and peppers, providing a foundational warmth that still whispers of the winter hearth. To pull the palate toward the coming summer, a bouquet of fresh parsley, dill, basil, mint, and cilantro is folded into a warm, egg-stabilized béchamel. As the herbs hit the heat, they release essential oils that transform a simple tuna filling into something ethereal and fragrant. 

To solve the perennial challenge of the "soggy bottom", we employ a grated cheese shield. By sprinkling grated gruyère (or its Greek cousin, kefalograviera) against the bottom and sides of the phyllo before adding the filling, we create a melted barrier. This fatty shield prevents moisture from the herbal and vegetable béchamel from migrating into the pastry, ensuring the 5cm-high walls stay shatteringly crisp while the interior remains a molten, savory custard. 

The richness of the dairy and oil-packed tuna is cut not only with raw green chili heat (which is optional), but with the sophisticated, fermented pop of brined green peppercorns. Combined with the citrusy notes of toasted coriander and fennel seeds, and lemon zest, the result is a bright, architectural dish that brings a sense of precision and celebration to the spring table. 

Whether the day brings sun or spring rain, these golden parcels stand as a crispy & creamy tribute to the season’s vibrant return … :)

crispy & creamy phyllo parcels with tuna & sweet vegetables

16.05.2026

8 small pies x 250 grams each

ingredients

filling :

  • 200 g (approx. 2 cups) strained oil-packed tuna flakes (from 2 cans and reserve the oil)
  • 250 g (2 cups) leek (white and light green parts only), finely sliced
  • 125 g (1 cup) green banana peppers, finely diced
  • optional : 15 g (1 medium) green chili pepper, deseeded and sliced 
  • 75 g (½ cup) sweetcorn kernels and/or 75 g (½ cup) frozen peas
  • 30 ml (2 tbsp) olive oil or tuna oil
  • 7,5 g (1 ½ tsp) garlic, crushed
  • 3 g (1 tsp) lemon zest, finely grated
  • 3 g (1 tsp) green brined peppercorns, drained and lightly crushed
  • 1 g (½ tsp) fennel seeds, lightly crushed
  • 1 g (½ tsp) coriander seeds, lightly crushed
  • 10 g (2 tbsp) fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 5 g (1 tbsp) fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 5 g (1 tbsp) fresh basil, finely chopped
  • 2,5 g (1 tbsp) fresh mint and/or fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • 5 g (1 tsp) fine sea salt

béchamel cream :

  • 30 g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter
  • 30 ml (2 tbsp) reserved tuna oil
  • 60 g (7 ½ tbsp) all-purpose flour
  • 400 ml (1 ½ cups + 2 tbsp) whole milk
  • 60 g (1 large) egg, whisked

phyllo pie assembly :

  • 500 g (1 standard pack) 8-12 medium thickness phyllo sheets or 16-24 thinner sheets
  • 180 ml (¾ cup) extra virgin olive oil (for pans & phyllo sheets & tops)
  • 200 g (2 cups) grated gruyère or kefalograviera cheese (divided into 8)
  • 20 g (2 tbsp) sesame seeds and/or flax seeds and/or poppy seeds
  • 4 g (1 tsp) cracked black peppercorns

instructions

  • prepare the aromatic base by sautéing the sliced leeks and green peppers in olive oil and/or reserved tuna oil with a pinch of salt over medium-low heat for 5-10 minutes until soft
  • stir in the garlic, sweetcorn, peas, optional green chili, lemon zest, fennel seeds, and coriander seeds for the final two minutes of cooking
  • remove the pan from the heat, stir in the flaked tuna and fresh herbs, and allow the mixture to cool completely
  • to make the béchamel cream, melt the butter and reserved tuna oil in a saucepan, whisk in the flour and cook for two minutes, then gradually whisk in the milk until thick and glossy
  • remove the sauce from the heat, let it rest and cool for ten minutes, and then slowly whisk in the whisked egg
  • gently fold the vegetable and tuna mixture into the sauce and refrigerate for at least two hours until cold and firm
  • lay out your phyllo sheets (one on top of the other) and slice each into 4 pieces and lightly brush each sheet separately with olive oil
  • prepare eight 10cm springform pans by brushing with olive oil and layering four to eight phyllo sliced phyllo sheets in each (depending on the thickness), rotating the corners to create a star-patterned base
  • sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of grated cheese over the bottom and sides of the phyllo nest before adding the chilled filling
  • divide the filling equally among the eight springform pans, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and fold the overhanging phyllo inward to create a lid
  • brush the tops with olive oil, sprinkle with seeds and black pepper, and chill the assemblies in the refrigerator for 30-45 minutes
  • bake at 180°C for 30 minutes until the phyllo is a deep, burnished gold.
  • allow the pies to rest in their pans for 10-15 minutes before removal to ensure the vertical shape is set
  • *note: assembled pies can be frozen in their pans and vacuum sealed for later use; but ensure they are completely defrosted before baking …