Fatayer (Lebanese Spinach Pie)

I was looking for a yummy middle eastern recipe when I came across this recipe by Alphafoodie. She has a wonderful site with great recipes and I decided to make Fatayer.

The recipe is not difficult at all, and making your own dough always makes food taste better!

I changed the recipe a little because I did not have all of the ingredients Alphafoodie uses, but my entire family tasted these, and LOVED them. So, if you have a party or if you are looking for a fun and easy appetizer, try these! 

Ingredients

For the dough:

• 4 cups white flour
• 1.5 tsp dry yeast
• 1.5 tsp brown sugar optional
• 1.5 tsp salt
• 1 tBsp olive oil
• 1 1/4 cups water lukewarm

For the filling:

•  half a bag of spinach
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tBsp pine nuts
• 1 onion
• 2 tBsp olive oil
• 1 Large lemon

Instructions

First, prepare the dough by mixing the dry ingredients and then adding the oil and water. 

Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes until it becomes soft and elastic. Set aside in an oiled bowl and cover it with a tea towel or muslin cloth. Let it rest for 30 minutes, in a warm location (so it can rise).

While the dough is resting, chop the spinach. Place it to a bowl and sprinkle salt on top then set aside for 8-10 minutes to macerate – this will help the spinach to release its liquid content.

Stir and squeeze the spinach with clean hands, to remove as much of the liquid as possible.

Chop the onions and mix with the remaining filling ingredients into the bowl of spinach.

Roll the risen dough into a thin sheet (between 2-4mm is best). Then cut it in circles- using either a circle cutter or a glass/cup. 

Add some of the spinach mix to each circle and fold in a triangular shape by pinching two sides together.Brush each pie with some olive oil and bake at 175ºC  for 25 minutes. 

The fatayers are ready when they turn golden brown. 

Enjoy! love,

Caroline

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