Spinach fatayer, savory pastries filled with a vibrant mixture of spinach, herbs, and spices, are a beloved treat in Middle Eastern cuisine. These delightful hand pies offer a perfect blend of flaky, buttery pastry and a flavorful, herbaceous filling, making them a satisfying snack or a delicious addition to any meal. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is designed to be accessible and rewarding, guiding you through each step with ease. The unique combination of textures and tastes makes these fatayer truly irresistible.
From the perfectly crisp pastry to the aromatic spinach filling, every bite is an explosion of flavor. This recipe provides a detailed guide to crafting these delicious pastries, ensuring you achieve perfectly golden-brown, crispy fatayer every time. Ready to embark on a culinary journey and create these Middle Eastern gems? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions!
Tools Needed
- Bowls
- Spoon
- Surface for kneading
- Towel
- Strainer
- Kitchen Roll
- Metal Circle Cutter
- Baking Tray
- Oven
Ingredients
- Flour
- Salt
- Sugar
- Instant Yeast
- Oil
- Warm Water
- Spinach
- Onion
- Tomato
- Olive Oil
- Lemon Juice
- Sumac
- Fresh Mint
- Lemon Wedges
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Dough
- Combine flour, salt, and sugar in a bowl. (14:00)
- Add instant yeast and oil, then mix with warm water using a spoon. (20:32)
- Knead the dough for about 3 minutes. (50:48)
- Place the dough in a floured bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rest for 40 minutes.
Step 2. Prepare the Filling
- Chop the spinach, add salt, and squeeze out excess water.
- In a bowl, combine the squeezed spinach with onion, tomato, olive oil, lemon juice, sumac, and salt. Mix well.
Step 3. Assemble and Shape the Fatayer
- Sprinkle flour on a surface, roll out the dough, and cut into circles using a metal circle cutter.
- Place a spoonful of spinach filling onto each circle.
- Brush water around the edges of each circle, fold over to form a half-moon shape, and seal the edges.
Step 4. Bake and Serve
- Pour oil into a baking tray, spread it evenly, and arrange the fatayer on the tray. Brush the fatayer with more oil.
- Let the fatayer rest for 15 minutes. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Serve with fresh mint and lemon wedges.
Read more: Lebanese Kofta Kebabs Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- The water helps the dough seal properly when forming the half-moon shapes.
- Oil on the baking tray makes the fatayer crispier.
Nutrition
- Fat: 12-18g
- Carbs: 30-40g
- Protein: 5-7g
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before using. Excess moisture will make the pastry soggy.
2. What kind of pastry dough should I use?
You can use store-bought phyllo dough or make your own. Both work well, but phyllo requires a bit more experience to handle.
3. How do I store leftover spinach fatayer?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a pan or oven.
With their flaky crust and flavorful filling, these spinach fatayer are sure to become a new family favorite. Enjoy the delicious results of your culinary journey, and don't hesitate to experiment with different herbs and spices to personalize your recipe. Happy baking!