Fatayer with two fillings

Fatayer with two fillings – A culinary journey through the flavors of the Middle East

In a world full of tastes and aromas, fatayer are those little culinary jewels that remind you of festive meals and joyful moments with loved ones. These Arabic pastries are very versatile and can be filled with a variety of ingredients, but today we will focus on two delicious fillings: mozzarella with parsley and spinach with ricotta cheese. Whether served hot or cold, fatayer are perfect for a snack, an appetizer, or even a main course.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients for the dough:
- 250 g flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 120 ml warm water

Filling 1:
- 150 g mozzarella
- 50 g fresh chopped parsley

Filling 2:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 400 g fresh spinach
- 4 green onions
- sea salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts
- 100 g ricotta cheese
- zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon sumac (for a special flavor)

For serving:
- Greek yogurt

The story behind fatayer

Fatayer is a traditional pastry that has been loved by generations around the world. Although the recipe has evolved over time, the essence remains the same: delicious fillings wrapped in fluffy dough. This recipe, inspired by Middle Eastern cuisine, combines simple ingredients to create a dish that will delight your taste buds.

Step 1: Preparing the dough

1. Start by sifting the flour with the salt into a large bowl. This will ensure a fine and even texture for the dough.
2. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the olive oil and warm water. Mix with a fork or your hands until the ingredients combine and you obtain a smooth dough.
3. Transfer the dough to a floured work surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes elastic and smooth.
4. Divide the dough into two equal pieces, shape them into balls, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Let them rest at room temperature for 20 minutes. This resting period will make the dough easier to roll out.

Step 2: Preparing the fillings

*Filling 1 – mozzarella with parsley*

1. Cut the mozzarella into small cubes and mix them with the chopped parsley. This filling is simple yet extremely flavorful, and the cheese will melt and create a creamy texture during baking.

*Filling 2 – spinach with ricotta cheese*

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Add the fresh spinach and sauté for one minute until it wilts. Then, use a paper towel to absorb excess fat from the spinach and let it cool.
2. Blanch the green onions in salted water for one minute, then transfer them to a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain well and chop into small pieces.
3. In a bowl, mix the sautéed spinach, green onions, pine nuts, ricotta cheese, and lemon zest. Season with salt, pepper, and sumac, then refrigerate the mixture for 20 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 3: Assembling the fatayer

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C with fan). This will ensure even baking and a perfectly crispy crust.
2. On a floured work surface, roll out a ball of dough into a thin sheet, about 3 mm thick. Cut the sheet into 7 cm squares.
3. Brush the edges of each square with water, then place a tablespoon of the chosen filling in the center. Fold into a triangle, making sure the edges are well sealed to prevent opening during baking.
4. Place the fatayer on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 4: Serving

Serve the fatayer warm, alongside Greek yogurt, which adds a touch of coolness and creaminess. These pastries are delicious both hot and cold and can be enjoyed as an appetizer at a party or as a quick snack at any time of the day.

Practical tips:

- If you want to enrich the fillings, you can add chopped green or black olives for an even more intense flavor.
- You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, to achieve different flavors.
- If you can't find sumac, you can use lemon juice to add a touch of acidity.

Nutritional information:

This fatayer recipe with spinach and mozzarella fillings has approximately 250-300 calories per serving, depending on the size of the fatayer and the ingredients used. Spinach is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and mozzarella adds protein and calcium, making it a nutritious and delicious option.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other vegetables in the filling?
Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to vary the taste.

2. Can I freeze the fatayer?
Yes, you can freeze the fatayer before baking them. Make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap. When you're ready to cook them, let them thaw and then bake according to the instructions.

3. What other sauces can I serve with fatayer?
For a touch of freshness, you can serve the fatayer with a tzatziki sauce or a yogurt sauce with mint.

These fatayer with two fillings are not just a simple recipe, but a true feast for the senses. Try them today and let yourself be carried away by the flavors of the Middle East! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: Fatayer are Arabic pastries with spinach; I also prepared them with mozzarella. Summer menu from the Middle East - Gordon Ramsay recipe. Ingredients for fatayer: 250 g flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 120 ml warm water. Filling 1: mozzarella, parsley. Filling 2: 2 teaspoons olive oil, 400 g spinach, 4 green onions, sea salt and pepper, 2 tablespoons pine nuts, 100 g ricotta cheese, finely grated lemon zest, a pinch of sumac (a spice used in Lebanese cuisine to give a fruity, lemony flavor to dishes. This spice can be found at Lebanese butcher shops or supermarkets). For serving: thick (Greek) yogurt.