Caramelised Fennel & Courgette Puff Pastry Pies

Caramelised Fennel & Courgette Puff Pastry Pies—this one was definitely a fridge raid, no-recipe kind of dish, but I’m so glad I snapped a picture to show you because it turned out absolutely delicious!
The fennel and courgette are slowly sautéed until perfectly caramelised with onions, garlic, and a blend of spices, including cumin seeds, fennel seeds, and mustard seeds. The sweet, earthy flavours of the vegetables perfectly balance the aromatic spices, creating a deep, rich filling. This is then wrapped in crispy puff pastry, with a hit of fresh mint and a drizzle of honey to add a touch of sweetness and counteract the savoury notes. The result? A flavour-packed, flaky pastry pie that’s perfect for a light lunch or a simple dinner.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. You don’t need a long list of ingredients—just a few basics you likely already have in your fridge and pantry. And if you’re looking to switch it up? You can easily experiment with different veggies or spices depending on what you have on hand. These pies are incredibly versatile, and you can even make them ahead and reheat them when you’re ready to serve.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Flavour-Packed – Caramelised fennel, courgette, and a perfect blend of spices.
✔️ Simple & Quick – Easy to make with minimal ingredients.
✔️ Crispy & Golden – Puff pastry makes the perfect flaky, crispy base.
✔️ Sweet & Savoury – A balance of earthy vegetables, aromatic spices, and a touch of honey.
✔️ Great for Any Meal – Perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a snack.
So, let’s get baking! Here’s how to make Caramelised Fennel & Courgette Puff Pastry Pies—a simple dish with a big flavour punch. Check out my video to see how I make it!
Vegetables from @plukcsafruittuin and my own honey from my bee garden at @bijenverenigingamsterdam. Another great puff pastry pie is my Easy Courgette, Leek & Lemon Puff Pastry Pie. or what about these little Brie & Asparagus Puff Pastries.
Caramelised Fennel & Courgette Puff Pastry Pies
Indulge in the flavours of Caramelised Fennel & Courgette Puff Pastry Pies—an easy recipe for a satisfying and tasty snack or lunch.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsbap butter (optional)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Pinch of salt
- 2 - 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped or grated
- 1 small courgette, thinly sliced (preferably using a mandolin)
- 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced (preferably using a mandolin)
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp fennel seeds
- 1 tsp mustard seeds (optional)
- 1 tbsp pomegranate molasses or balsami vinegar
- 50 g feta cheese, crumbled
- 4 - 6 Puff pastry squares
- To serve
- Fresh mint leaves, shredded
- Chili flakes
- Drizzle of honey
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 220°C.
In a heave based pan heat the olive oil and melt the butter (if using). Add the onions, garlic and a pinch of salt and sauté until translucent and fragrant, ± 5 minutes.
Add the spices and sauté for ± 30 seconds.
Add the fennel and stir to coat, then add the courgette and stir to coat.
Let the mixture sauté on medium to low heat with the lid on, only stirring every 5 minutes or so. But not stirring it too much it will all caramelise nicely. Do this for about 20-25 minutes.
Remove the lid and drizzle in the pomegranate molasses or balsamic vinegar and stir to coat.
Continue to sauté for a few minutes while you prep the puff pastry.
Lay the puff pastry squares on a lined baking tray and fold over the edges by ± 1 cm on all sides rto create a rim. Use a fork to prick holes in the bottom of the base.
Divide the fennel courgette mix over the puff pastries and crumble over the feta.
Bake for 20 - 25 minutes until the puff pastry is nice and crispy and the feta just starting to brown.
Remove from the oven, sprinkle over the mint leaves and chili flakes and drizzle over some honey.
Serve straight away, although these babies are delicious at room temperature too!