Algerian Swiss Chard Bestels, or Turnovers Recipe

Name: Algerian Swiss Chard Bestels, or Turnovers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 pounds Swiss chard, beet, or spinach greens, washed and dried; 1/4 cup pine nuts; 2 hard-boiled eggs, mashed; 1/4 cup currants; 1 teaspoon curry powder; 1/2 teaspoon allspice; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste; Thirty-six 2-inch wonton wrappers; Peanut or vegetable oil for frying

Servings: persons

1
If the Swiss chard or spinach leaves are small, leave them whole.
2
Otherwise, remove and discard the stems and rough-chop the green leaves.
3
Blanch the leaves for 15 seconds in boiling, salted water.
4
Drain completely, pressing to get rid of any excess water.
5
Brown the pine nuts in a hot pan for a few minutes.
6
Then mix the leaves with the hard- boiled eggs, the currants, and the pine nuts.
7
Season with the curry, allspice, cinnamon, and salt and pepper to taste.
8
Place a tablespoon of the stuffing in the center of each wrapper.
9
Moisten the edges with water, fold into a triangle, and crimp the edges with the tines of a fork.
10
Put all the turnovers on a baking sheet lined with wax paper, and refrigerate or freeze until ready to fry.
11
Heat 2 inches of peanut or vegetable oil in a wok until it reaches about 375 degrees.
12
Fry about five bestels at a time on both sides, about 2 minutes on each side, until golden.
13
Drain on paper towels and serve immediately.

225

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Leave out the nuts to make it nut-free, or swap in seeds for a similar crunch.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 10 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 pounds Swiss chard, beet, or spinach greens, washed and dried, 1/4 cup pine nuts, 2 hard-boiled eggs, mashed, 1/4 cup currants, and more.

Yes, Algerian Swiss Chard Bestels, or Turnovers falls under the Vegetarian category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Algerian Swiss Chard Bestels, or Turnovers

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions