Cheddar Broccoli Strudel

This is the first recipe I ever made with filo pastry (or phyllo, found in the frozen section of the grocery store). I was brave and made it for a dinner party for a bunch of non-vegetarian friends. It turned out beautifully, with a golden flaky crust and savory cheese-broccoli filling. Rave reviews. Some Notes: 1. Use really good bread crumbs, you can make 'em yourself using good bread thats a few days old and either a food processor or a cheese grater. 2. You can make it vegan easily enough by substituting soy cheese or omitting the cheese completely. 3. I think this is from a Mollie Katzen cookbook :)

• Ready In: 1 hr 5 mins
• Serves: 11
• Yields: 12 slices

Ingredients

• 1  tablespoon butter or 1  tablespoon olive oil
• 1  cup onion, minced
• 1  large head broccoli, finely chopped
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1  tablespoon black pepper
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 2  cups  breadcrumbs, homemade
• 2  cups cheddar cheese, grated
• 2  tablespoons lemon juice
• 10  sheets phyllo pastry
• 3 -4  tablespoons olive oil (for basting the phyllo)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 F, and oil a baking sheet.
2. Melt butter or olive oil in a large pan. add onion and saute for about 5 minutes over medium heat.
3. Add broccoli, salt and pepper, and cook for about 5 more minutes.
4. Add garlic, and saute until broccoli is tender, about 5 more minutes, then remove from heat.
5. Stir in bread crumbs, cheddar cheese, and lemon juice.
6. To assemble: Place one sheet of phyllo on a clean, dry countertop. Brush the top lightly with olive oil, then add a second sheet. continue this process until there is a pile of five sheets. Add half the filling in the shape of a log to the short end of the phyllo pastry. fold in the sides (about 1/2 inch), then gently roll up so you have a neat little log (this process is easier than it sounds, think of it as a pastry burrito).
7. Repeat the procedure to make a second roll.
8. Carefully lift the pastries onto the baking sheet 4 inches apart.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown.
10. Cut slices with a serated edge knife in a gentle sawing motion.