Fatayer, a popular Lebanese recipe, is a delicious and savory pastry that is enjoyed all over the world. This traditional dish is a staple in Lebanese cuisine, and its crispy, flaky exterior paired with a flavorful filling makes it a favorite among many. While there are many variations of fatayer, the most common one is made with spinach and feta cheese. Let's take a closer look at this delicious Lebanese treat and learn how to make it at home.
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef Chuck, Chopped Parsley, Sun Dried Tomatoes
Start off your Beer Can Chicken journey with a classic Lebanese dish. Kafta, or beef kebabs, are made with a delicious blend of beef, parsley, onion, and spices. These kebabs are perfect for grilling and can be served with a side of pita bread and baba ghanoush for a complete meal.
2of 20
Baked Lebanese Lamb Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Ground Lamb, Egg, Bread Crumbs, Chopped Parsley, Mint
If you're a fan of meatballs, you'll love this Lebanese twist on the classic dish. Made with a combination of ground lamb, spices, and parsley, these meatballs are baked to perfection and can be served with a side of tabbouleh for a refreshing and flavorful meal.
3of 20
Lebanese Lentil Salad with Garlic, Cumin, Mint, and...
Main Ingredients: Green Lentil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic, Chopped
Looking for a healthy side dish to accompany your Beer Can Chicken? This Lebanese lentil salad is packed with flavor and nutrients. The combination of lentils, garlic, cumin, mint, and feta cheese creates a delicious and refreshing salad that pairs well with any main dish.
4of 20
Spinach Fatayer (Lebanese spinach pie)
Main Ingredients: Plain Flour, Dry Yeast, Brown Sugar, Salt, Oil, Luke
Fatayer, or savory pies, are a staple in Lebanese cuisine. This spinach fatayer is made with a flaky dough and a filling of spinach, onion, and spices. Serve it as an appetizer or a side dish for a delicious and vegetarian-friendly addition to your meal.
5of 20
Lebanese Cheese Fatayer
Main Ingredients: Pizza Dough, Feta, Yogurt, Mozzarella, Parsley, Nutmeg
This cheese fatayer is another delicious version of the traditional savory pie. Made with a blend of akawi and mozzarella cheese, this dish is perfect for cheese lovers. Serve it warm for a gooey and satisfying meal.
If you're a fan of lamb, you'll love this version of the traditional fatayer. Made with a filling of ground lamb, onion, and spices, this dish is packed with flavor. Serve it as a main dish or as an appetizer for a taste of Lebanese cuisine.
7of 20
Lebanese Savory Lamb Fatayer
Main Ingredients: Dough, Flour, Warm Water, Rapid Rise Yeast, Sugar
For a twist on the classic Lebanese fatayer, try this savory lamb version. The combination of ground lamb, za'atar, and sumac creates a delicious and unique flavor that will have you coming back for more. Serve it as a main dish or as an appetizer for a taste of Middle Eastern cuisine.
8of 20
Fatayer bi Sabanekh (Lebanese Spinach Turnovers)
Main Ingredients: Active Dry Yeast, Water, 00 Flour, Pastry Flour, Sugar
These spinach turnovers are a popular Lebanese street food and for good reason. The flaky dough and savory spinach filling make for a delicious and satisfying snack or side dish. Serve it with a side of tzatziki sauce for an extra kick of flavor.
9of 20
Fatayer bi Sabanekh (Vegan Lebanese Spinach Pie)
Main Ingredients: Plain Flour, Self Raising Flour, Dry Yeast, Coconut
For our vegan friends, this spinach pie is the perfect dish to make for your next gathering. Made with a blend of spinach, onion, and spices, this dish is packed with flavor and is a great option for those following a plant-based diet.
10of 20
Cheese Fatayer with fatayer dough
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Instant Yeast, Sugar, Salt, Whole
This cheese fatayer is a great option for a quick and easy meal. Made with a dough specifically designed for fatayer, this dish is filled with a delicious blend of halloumi cheese, parsley, and spices. Serve it warm for a cheesy and satisfying meal.
11of 20
Lebanese Beef Fatayer | A Middle Eastern meat pie
Main Ingredients: Cooking Oil, Ground Beef, Yellow Onion, Salt, Garlic
This beef fatayer is a hearty and delicious option for a main dish. The combination of ground beef, onion, and spices create a flavorful filling that is encased in a flaky and buttery dough. Serve it warm for a traditional and satisfying Lebanese meal.
12of 20
Lebanese Garlic Sauce (Toum)
Main Ingredients: Kosher Salt, Garlic Cloves, Grapeseed Oil, Lemon Juice
No Lebanese meal is complete without a side of garlic sauce, or toum. This creamy and flavorful sauce is made with garlic, lemon juice, and oil and pairs well with almost any dish. Use it as a dip or spread it on top of your Beer Can Chicken for an extra kick of flavor.
13of 20
How to Make Lebanese Fatayer With Spinach and Labneh...
Main Ingredients: Unbleached All Purpose Flour, Fine Sea Salt, Oil, Small
This recipe combines two delicious Lebanese ingredients, spinach and labneh, to create a unique and flavorful fatayer. The tanginess of the labneh pairs well with the savory spinach filling, making this dish a must-try for any Lebanese food lover.
Mujadara is a traditional Lebanese dish made with lentils, rice, and caramelized onions. This dish is packed with flavor and is a great option for a vegetarian meal. Serve it with a side of hummus for a complete and satisfying meal.
15of 20
Spicy Lebanese Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Russet Potatoes, Olive Oil, Sea Salt, Garlic Cloves
If you're looking to add some spice to your meal, these Lebanese potatoes are the perfect side dish. Made with a blend of spices, these potatoes are roasted to perfection and are a great accompaniment to any main dish.
For a twist on the classic Beer Can Chicken, try this Lebanese baked chicken recipe. The combination of spices and yogurt creates a flavorful and tender chicken dish that is perfect for any occasion. Serve it with a side of tabbouleh for a complete meal.
17of 20
Lebanese Chicken Tawook
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Lemon, Garlic, Salt
Tawook, or grilled chicken skewers, are a popular Lebanese dish. This recipe uses a blend of spices and yogurt to create a flavorful marinade for the chicken. Serve it with a side of grilled vegetables for a delicious and healthy meal.
18of 20
Spinach Fatayer
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Salt, Vegetable, Water, Fresh
This version of the traditional fatayer is a great option for vegetarians. The combination of spinach, onion, and spices creates a flavorful and satisfying meal. Serve it as a main dish or as an appetizer for a taste of Lebanese cuisine.
19of 20
Lebanese Rice Pilaf
Main Ingredients: White Rice, Clarified Butter, Vermicelli Pasta, Boiling
This rice pilaf is a great side dish option for any Lebanese meal. Made with a blend of spices and topped with toasted almonds, this dish is packed with flavor and adds a delicious crunch to any meal.
20of 20
Chicken Fatayer-How to make fatayer
Main Ingredients: Flour, Instant Yeast, Sugar, Salt, Whole Milk, Olive
This chicken fatayer recipe is a must-try for any chicken lover. The combination of ground chicken, onion, and spices creates a flavorful and satisfying filling that is encased in a flaky and buttery dough. Serve it warm for a traditional and delicious Lebanese meal.
The History of Fatayer
The Origins
The history of fatayer can be traced back to the Ottoman Empire, where it was a popular street food. Over time, it has become a staple in Lebanese cuisine and is now enjoyed by people all over the world. The word "fatayer" is derived from the Arabic word "fatira," which means "to split." This refers to the way the dough is folded over the filling, giving the pastry its distinct triangular shape.
The Evolution
As with many traditional dishes, fatayer has evolved and adapted over time. While the classic filling of spinach and feta cheese remains the most popular, there are now many variations available, including meat, cheese, and even sweet fillings. Each region in Lebanon has its own unique twist on the recipe, making it a diverse and versatile dish.
The Ingredients
The Dough
The key to a perfect fatayer is the dough. It should be thin, yet sturdy enough to hold the filling without falling apart. The dough is typically made with flour, water, yeast, and a pinch of salt. Some recipes also call for the addition of olive oil or butter, which adds a rich and flaky texture to the pastry.
The Filling
The most common filling for fatayer is a combination of spinach and feta cheese. The spinach is sautéed with onions and garlic, then mixed with crumbled feta cheese and a blend of spices, including sumac and allspice. This mixture is then placed in the center of the dough and folded over to create the iconic triangular shape.
The Recipe
Now that you know a bit about the history and ingredients of fatayer, it's time to make your own! The process may seem daunting, but with a little practice, you'll be whipping up these delicious pastries in no time. Check out our easyfatayer recipe below.
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp instant yeast
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup warm water
1 lb fresh spinach
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 tsp sumac
1/2 tsp allspice
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, yeast, and salt. Slowly add in the olive oil and warm water, and mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes, then place it back in the bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Let it rest for 1 hour.
In a pan, sauté the spinach, onions, and garlic until the spinach is wilted. Remove from heat and let it cool.
In a separate bowl, mix together the cooled spinach mixture, feta cheese, sumac, allspice, salt, and pepper.
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut it into circles. Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each circle, then fold the dough over to create a triangle. Pinch the edges closed.
Place the fatayer on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown.
Enjoy your homemade fatayer hot out of the oven!
In Conclusion
Fatayer is a delicious and versatile Lebanese recipe that has stood the test of time. Its history and evolution make it a fascinating dish to explore, and its simple yet flavorful ingredients make it a popular choice for home cooks. So why not give it a try and add a taste of Lebanon to your next meal?
![Spicy Lebanese Potatoes [Batata Harra] - Measuring Cups, Optional](https://www.measuringcupsoptional.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Spicy-Lebanese-Potatoes_2.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__simply_recipes__uploads__2009__10__baby-bok-choy-vertical-a-1200-b3a6203de9c84d249eaff0a82c711e6a.jpg)
