Fatayer

fatayer

Fatayer is a traditional Middle Eastern pastry that has a savory filling and is typically served as a snack or appetizer. It is commonly found in bakeries and restaurants throughout the region and can be prepared in a variety of flavors and styles, including meat, cheese, spinach, and potato.

One of the most popular variations of fatayer is the Egyptian version, which features a delicious blend of spices and flavors that are unique to the country. This recipe is simple to make and requires only a few basic ingredients, making it an ideal choice for anyone who wants to try their hand at traditional Middle Eastern cuisine.

The dough for the Egyptian fatayer is a basic yeast-based recipe that is easy to prepare and can be customized to suit your preferences. It is rolled out into a thin sheet and cut into circles before being filled with a savory mixture of onions, herbs, and spices.

The filling for the Egyptian fatayer is what really sets it apart from other versions of the pastry. It is made with a combination of chopped onions, fresh herbs such as parsley and cilantro, and a blend of spices including cumin, coriander, and sumac.

Sumac is an essential ingredient in many Middle Eastern recipes and adds a tart, tangy flavor to the fatayer filling. It is made from dried berries that are ground into a fine powder and is commonly used to enhance the flavor of meats, vegetables, and salads.

Once the filling is prepared, it is spooned onto the dough circles and folded into a triangular shape before being baked in the oven until golden brown. The end result is a delicious and flavorful pastry that is perfect for serving as an appetizer, snack, or even as part of a main meal.

In Egypt, fatayer is often served alongside other traditional Middle Eastern dishes such as hummus, baba ganoush, and tabbouleh. It is also commonly enjoyed with a cup of hot tea or coffee and is a popular choice for breakfast or brunch.

Overall, the Egyptian fatayer is a delicious and easy-to-make pastry that is sure to impress your guests and family. Whether you are looking for a new appetizer to serve at your next party or simply want to indulge in some authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, this recipe is a great place to start.

Ingredients:

For the dough:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 cup warm water

For the filling:

  • 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 cup fresh mint, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup scallions, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the dough by combining the flour, yeast, sugar, salt, olive oil, and warm water in a bowl. Mix until all ingredients are well combined and a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and let it rest for 1 hour in a warm place until it doubles in size.
  2. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  3. To prepare the filling, mix the chopped parsley, mint, scallions, olive oil, salt, black pepper, cumin, and cinnamon in a bowl.
  4. Divide the dough into 12-14 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a small circle on a floured surface. Add a spoonful of the filling in the center of each dough circle.
  5. Pinch the edges of the dough together to create a triangle shape, making sure to seal the filling inside.
  6. Place the fatayer on a lightly greased baking sheet and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until golden.
  7. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious homemade Egyptian fatayer!