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    Home » Recipes » Dinner » Vegetarian Dinner

    Tomato Basil Mozzarella Filo Parcels

    Published: May 11, 2017 · Updated: Apr 9, 2022 by Neil 10 Comments

    344 shares
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    Jump to Recipe
    Three tomato basil mozzarella filo parcels on a plate. Pin title text overlay at top.

    Tomato basil mozzarella filo parcels are a delicious healthier version of Empanadas. All the classic flavours you would expect from a tomato basil mozzarella Empanada but with less calories and fat! 

    Three tomato basil mozzarella filo parcels on a plate with salad. A bottle of wine, halved tomato and knife and fork to the side as decoration.

    Tomato basil mozzarella filo parcels are my latest tasty filo parcel creation.

    The best comparison I could come up with here is that they're like Empanadas being a folded pastry dough with a stuffing.

    But I think they could also be compared to a certain brand of crispy pancakes!

    Does anyone remember those crispy pancakes I'm referring to?

    A quick google to see if those pancakes are actually still available (it's been that long since I had them) and they're not.

    I loved those as a kid, but I recall that they weren't particularly healthy.

    So I tell you what, these are my healthier version of those crispy pancakes or a version of Empanadas, you choose!

    Tomato basil mozzarella filo parcels on a serving platter garnished wish lettuce and finely chopped tomatoes.

    These filo parcels are beautifully flaky and with an amazing satisfying crunch.

    Then there's the tomato basil mozzarella filling; a classic combination of flavours that go together so well!

    I've been using filo pastry as a lower calorie / lower fat alternative to traditional pastry ever since I found a Weigh Watchers recipe that used filo pastry five years ago and I love it!

    My variation of that Weight Watchers recipe in question is the salmon filo parcels recipe.

    Threee tomato basil mozzarella filo parcels on a plate with a knife and fork and some lettuce and finely chopped tomatoes. A dish of tomatoes and another plate in the background.

    It was about five years ago that I started to change my diet and lifestyle for the better.

    Small changes in my cooking and eating habits, like using filo pastry instead of normal buttery pastry contributing to a gradual two stone weight loss.

    It's not about changing absolutely everything to keep within a healthy weight, it just requires a few dietary and lifestyle changes.

    Three tomato basil mozzarella filo parcels on a plate with some salad. A bottle of wine and halved tomato in the background.

    Filo parcels are a good idea and can make a really easy meal if you've got leftover salad or veggies in the fridge and you don't know what to do with them!

    There's so many delicious recipes that you could make up using those fresh ingredients.

    For example although I used mozzarella cheese in these tomato filo parcels, they're versatile.

    If you can't get or don't like mozzarella cheese or just fancy a change use another cheese instead like cheddar.

    Very soon you'll be creating you're own filo parcels fillings and filo parcels recipes!

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Substitutions
    • How To Make Filo Pastry Parcels
    • FAQ's
    • Other Filo Pastry Recipes You Might Also Like
    • Tomato Basil Mozzarella Filo Parcels Recipe
    • Nutrition Label
    • Rate The Recipe

    Ingredients

    • Low Fat Cooking Oil Spray
    • Filo Pastry Sheets
    • Tomatoes
    • Fresh Chopped Basil
    • Mozzarella
    • Olive Oil
    • Garlic Cloves
    • Freshly Ground Salt and Black Pepper

    See recipe card for quantities.

    Substitutions

    • Low Fat Cooking Oil Spray - to grease the baking tray. You could use a little melted butter / vegetable oil instead or instead of a baking tray use parchment paper.
    • Filo Pastry Sheets - I just buy filo pastry sheets as it's easier. But feel free if you want to make your own phyllo dough.
    • Tomatoes
    • Fresh Chopped Basil - fresh basil leaves not dried basil.
    • Mozzarella - I use pre-grated mozzarella from a packet. You could use fresh mozzarella or feta cheese if you want to.
    • Olive Oil
    • Garlic Cloves
    • Freshly Ground Salt and Black Pepper

    How To Make Filo Pastry Parcels

    Detailed instructions for the recipe filling are in the recipe card below.

    For a picture step by step guide for making the parcels please see my turkey filo pastry samosas recipe.

    Here is a quick step by step guide of how to make filo parcels with your own choice of ingredients from whatever great substitutes you choose:

    1. Take one sheet filo pastry, spray it with the low fat cooking spray and fold it in half lengthways.
    2. Then spray it again so you have a long strip (2 pastry layers).
    3. Place about 2 tablespoon of the filling mixture at one end of the strip, leaving a 2cm / 1-inch border.
    4. Fold a corner over, diagonally to the left, making an enclosed triangle.
    5. Fold again, moving all the way along until the end of the strip.
    6. Spray the outside.
    7. Place the parcel on the greased baking tray / prepared baking sheet.
    8. Repeat the process with the other filo sheets until you have used the last filo sheet or the remaining ingredients.

    FAQ's

    Can you pre make filo parcels?

    Yes you can pre make filo parcels and keep them in the fridge for a few hours until you're ready to cook them. Don't leave them too long though or they will go soggy.

    How long will filo pastry parcels keep?

    The baked filo pastry parcels can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days.

    Can you freeze filo parcels?

    You can freeze filo parcels. Yes as long as the filling you used can also be frozen. However they are not as good once defrosted as they tend to crack in the freezer.

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    Other Filo Pastry Recipes You Might Also Like

    • Turkey filo pastry samosas are nearly a third of the calories of those you might find in a restaurant. They’re filled with a delicious lightly spiced turkey mince, then baked rather than deep fried, making them a great quick healthy meal!
    • Spring salad filo tart is packed full of delicious fresh seasonal flavours. It’s really easy to make, low cost and perfect if you’re short on time. 
    • Red pepper and spinach filo tart makes for a delicious, versatile, easy hot or cold vegetarian brunch or dinner option. What’s not to like about tasty oven baked veggies topped with Mediterranean herbs and cheese?
    • Roast vegetable filo parcels make for a delicious light lunch or dinner. Easy to make, they’re also a great way to use up any leftover vegetables!
    Tomato basil mozzarella filo parcels are a delicious healthier version of empanadas. All the classic flavours you would expect from a tomato basil mozzarella empanada but with less calories and fat!
    Print Recipe Save Recipe Saved Recipe!
    5 from 1 vote

    Tomato Basil Mozzarella Filo Parcels Recipe

    Tomato basil mozzarella filo parcels are a delicious healthier version of empanadas but with less calories and fat!
    Prep Time20 mins
    Cook Time20 mins
    Total Time40 mins
    Course: Dinner
    Cuisine: International, Mediterranean, Spanish
    Servings: 8 Filo Parcels
    Calories: 233kcal
    Author: Neil

    The following links and any links in the recipe card below are affiliate links.

    This means that if you click on it and then buy that product I’ll get a small commission (at no extra cost to you of course).

    If you do click through then thanks for being a part of Neil’s Healthy Meals!

    Equipment

    • Baking tray
    • Kitchen scale
    • Measuring spoons
    • Garlic press
    • Grater
    • Chopping board
    • Kitchen knives
    • Pyrex mixing glass bowl
    • Wooden spoon

    Ingredients

    • Low fat cooking spray
    • 8 sheets Filo Pastry
    • 2 tomatoes
    • 15 g Basil , chopped
    • 150 g grated mozzarella
    • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
    • 2 cloves garlic , crushed
    • Freshly grated salt and pepper
    Metric - US Customary

    Instructions

    • Pre-heat oven to 180C
    • Using the low fat cooking spray lightly grease a baking tray
    • Using a sharp knife place a cross in the base of the 2 tomatoes, plunge them into boiling water for 20 – 30 seconds, remove them using a slotted spoon, plunge them into cold water briefly and then peal off the skin. Dice the skinned tomatoes.
    • Place the tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, olive oil and garlic into a bowl and mix together. Season to taste.
    • Following the pictures and steps 6 to 11 in the turkey filo pastry samosas recipe, place approximately 2 tbsp. of the tomato mixture onto each pastry sheet and fold into triangles.
    • Bake in the centre of the oven for approximately 20 minutes turning halfway through.
    • Once golden brown remove from the oven and allow to cool a little.
    • Serve with a fresh green salad.
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Notes

    Nutrition label values are per filo parcel.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 233kcal | Carbohydrates: 26.4g | Protein: 12.7g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 10.2g | Cholesterol: 29.6mg | Sodium: 363.2mg | Fiber: 1.6g | Sugar: 2.4g | Vitamin A: 550IU | Vitamin C: 13.2mg | Calcium: 210mg | Iron: 1.8mg

    Nutrition Label

    Nutritional information provided below is calculated using paid for online tools and the exact ingredients and quantities used above.

    Nutrition Facts
    Tomato Basil Mozzarella Filo Parcels
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 233 Calories from Fat 279
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 31g48%
    Saturated Fat 10.2g64%
    Cholesterol 29.6mg10%
    Sodium 363.2mg16%
    Carbohydrates 26.4g9%
    Fiber 1.6g7%
    Sugar 2.4g3%
    Protein 12.7g25%
    Vitamin A 550IU11%
    Vitamin C 13.2mg16%
    Calcium 210mg21%
    Iron 1.8mg10%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    Rate The Recipe

    If you’ve made these tomato and mozzarella filo pastry parcels, or any other recipes on Neil's Healthy Meals, then please let me know.

    I’d love to hear what you think of my recipe in the comments below and please do rate my recipe 5* if you like it! 🙂

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. rachel @ athletic avocado

      May 11, 2017 at 2:37 pm

      mmmm these look like the perfect appetizer for Mother's day! YUM!

      Reply
      • neil@neilshealthymeals.com

        May 11, 2017 at 8:41 pm

        Hi Rachel, yes that's a great idea! I forgot how you guys have mothers day at a different time of the year over there. But these would go down perfectly!

        Thanks! Have a great weekend! 🙂

        Reply
    2. Shashi at Savory Spin

      May 12, 2017 at 1:04 pm

      Neil, these filo parcels with tomato and mozzarella and basil sound simply delicious! They kinda reminded me more of a smaller, more exquisite version of a calzone - but, I see the empanada comparison too - though now you have me intrigued about those crispy pancakes!
      Hope you and Lady Lynne have a wonderful weekend in London! My daughter and I will be heading that way, ourselves, this summer 🙂

      Reply
      • neil@neilshealthymeals.com

        May 13, 2017 at 6:47 am

        Thank you Shashi. Yes I would agree with you that these filo parcels are quite likea calzone too. When I was making them I ended up comparing them to so many different things as you read in the recipe. 🙂

        That's fantastic that you and your daughter are heading to London this summer. It's a shame we missed you this weekend. If you are anywhere near Glasgow or Edinburgh let Lynne and I know and we might be able to try and meet up with you!

        Reply
    3. GiGi Eats

      May 14, 2017 at 12:17 am

      Crispy triangles of heaven! That is what I would like to call these. Dip them into a cheese spiked tomato sauce and you're GOLDEN!

      Reply
      • neil@neilshealthymeals.com

        May 14, 2017 at 11:20 am

        I actually think your name for these sounds much better than the one I dreampt up! 😉

        Thanks GiGi. 😀

        Reply
    4. Ashika | Gardening Foodie

      May 14, 2017 at 10:36 am

      5 stars
      WOW these look so delicious. Filo is such a lovely light pastry. I love cheese and basil filling, and its really great that these are baked and not fried. Love it!!!!

      Reply
      • neil@neilshealthymeals.com

        May 14, 2017 at 11:23 am

        Hi Ashika, I'm very glad you like these. 🙂

        I think that baking these rather than frying them also means that you get much less mess! 😉

        Reply
    5. David @ Spiced

      May 15, 2017 at 1:50 pm

      What a fun idea to use filo dough instead of puff pastry to cut back on calories. I absolutely love the filling here, Neil! This combo just screams summer and warm days to me...and I can totally see eating these for a light lunch on the back porch. I hope you guys had fun in London this weekend. Les Mis happens to be one of our top 5 musicals, and I'm excited that it's coming back through our area next Spring. We really do need to get over to London on vacation sometime though. 🙂 I hope you'll share some more about that trip sometime soon! Happy Monday!

      Reply
      • neil@neilshealthymeals.com

        May 16, 2017 at 6:13 am

        I totally agree with you David that these Tomato Basil Mozzarella Filo Parcels would make a wonderful light lunch. And I'd happily join you there on your back porch to enjoy them!

        We had a fantastic time in London thanks. And Les Miserables was even better than I could have imagined.

        Hope you guys get a chance to go and see Les Mis when it comes back through to your area next Spring. Its definitely one I wouldn't want to miss if it came anywhere near Glasgow again! 🙂

        Reply

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