Description
Mediterranean-inspired fatayer, a delicate pastry pocket from Syria, blends savory cheese and herbs in a delightful handheld experience. Crisp golden edges and rich filling make this recipe a beautiful celebration of Middle Eastern culinary tradition you’ll savor with pure delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Dry Ingredients:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tablespoons sumac
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Wet and Fermentation Ingredients:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (one ¼-ounce package) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm whole milk
- ⅓ cup grapeseed or other neutral-tasting oil
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- Juice of 1 large lemon (about 4 tablespoons)
- Scant 1 teaspoon sugar
Filling and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt
Instructions
- Dissolve the yeast in 120 milliliters (1/2 cup) of tepid milk, combined with sugar. Allow the mixture to rest and become frothy for 10 minutes.
- In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, blend flour and salt at a low speed setting.
- Gradually incorporate olive oil, prepared yeast liquid, and remaining 120 milliliters (1/2 cup) of warm milk into the flour mixture. Knead the dough at medium-low speed until achieving a smooth, slightly tacky consistency, approximately 3-5 minutes. If needed, introduce an additional tablespoon of milk to optimize dough texture.
- Transfer the dough to a generously oiled large bowl, shaping it into a compact ball. Drape with plastic wrap and position in a warm environment, allowing it to rise and expand to double its original volume, roughly 1.5 hours.
- Prepare the spinach by placing chopped leaves in a colander, sprinkling with salt, and letting it rest to release excess moisture.
- Sauté diced onions in 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat, stirring continuously until they turn soft and develop a golden hue, approximately 5 minutes. Remove and transfer to a separate mixing bowl.
- In the same skillet, introduce another tablespoon of olive oil and wilt the spinach in batches, stirring for approximately 1 minute.
- Once cooled slightly, wrap the spinach in a clean kitchen towel and firmly squeeze to extract remaining liquid.
- Combine the drained spinach with sautéed onions. Enhance the mixture with sumac, black pepper, allspice, and fresh lemon juice. Adjust seasonings to personal preference.
- Deflate the risen dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a 0.5-centimeter (1/4-inch) thickness. Utilize a 10-centimeter (4-inch) circular cutter or glass to cut uniform dough circles. Allow the circles to rest for 5-10 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius (400 degrees Fahrenheit) and prepare two baking trays with a light coating of oil.
- Position 2 tablespoons of prepared filling at the center of each dough circle. Carefully fold three edges toward the center, creating a triangular shape, and firmly seal the seams.
- Arrange the assembled fatayer on prepared baking trays, delicately brush tops with beaten egg, and bake for 12-15 minutes until achieving a rich golden-brown color.
- Serve the fatayer warm, ideal for communal enjoyment and sharing.
Notes
- Baking transforms these delicate pastries from soft dough to crispy golden delights with a perfect balance of crunch and tender filling.
- Moisture management matters most when preparing spinach, so thoroughly drain and press out every drop of liquid to prevent soggy results.
- Folding technique requires gentle precision, using dampened fingertips to create tight seals that keep delicious spinach tucked safely inside.
- Portion control ensures each fatayer looks beautiful and bakes evenly, so limit filling to two tablespoons per delicate dough circle.
- Resting rolled dough allows gluten to relax, creating more flexible and cooperative pastry that holds its shape during the baking process.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 176
- Sugar: 1.4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 7.9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.7g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1.6g
- Protein: 5.1g
- Cholesterol: 6.2mg