Sambousek with sheep cheese and za'atar

Sambusek with sheep cheese and zaatar

If you are looking for an appetizer recipe that will delight your taste buds and bring a touch of oriental flavor to your kitchen, sambusek is the perfect choice. These delicious, fried pastries filled with cheese are a symbol of hospitality in many cultures and can transform any meal into a memorable culinary experience. Let’s begin our culinary journey!

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

Ingredients

For the filling:
- 500 grams of grated sheep cheese
- 3 tablespoons of zaatar (a fragrant spice blend)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil

For the dough (if you choose to make it at home):
- 1 and 1/2 cups of flour
- 1/2 cup of palm margarine (for a special flavor)
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of cold water

For frying:
- Vegetable oil (enough to cover the bottom of the pan)

A bit of history

Sambusek, also known as sambousek or samboosek, has deep roots in the culinary traditions of the Middle East. These stuffed pastries have been prepared for centuries and have become a staple appetizer in Arab restaurants. Fillings can vary from cheese to meat, vegetables, or even unique combinations, offering amazing versatility.

Za'atar, the spice that flavors the filling, is an aromatic blend with a special tradition, including oregano, sumac, sesame seeds, and, depending on the region, other spices. It enriches the dish with a distinctive note, perfect for delighting any food lover.

Preparing the sambusek

Step 1: Preparing the filling

In a medium bowl, add the grated cheese, zaatar, and olive oil. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined. If desired, you can also add a pinch of freshly ground black pepper for an extra flavor boost. This filling is simple but full of taste!

Step 2: Preparing the dough (optional)

If you choose to make the dough from scratch, here’s how to proceed:

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour with the salt.
2. Add the cubed palm margarine and rub it with your fingers until you achieve a fine texture, similar to wet sand.
3. Gradually add the cold water, mixing until the dough starts to form.
4. Knead the dough well for about 5 minutes, then wrap it in plastic wrap and let it rest for 15 minutes.

Step 3: Forming the sambusek

1. If you used store-bought dough, remove it from the package and roll it out on a lightly floured surface. If you made the dough at home, roll it out into a thin sheet about 2-3 mm thick.
2. Using a knife or a cutter, cut circles from the sheet with a diameter of about 7-8 cm.
3. In the center of each circle, add a teaspoon of the cheese mixture.
4. Fold the circle in half to form a crescent and press the edges firmly to seal the pastry. You can use a fork to create a decorative pattern on the edges, but it’s important to ensure there are no openings for the filling to escape during frying.

Step 4: Frying the sambusek

1. In a non-stick pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. The oil is ready for frying when, if you throw in a small piece of dough, it rises to the surface and starts bubbling.
2. Carefully add the sambusek to the pan, being careful not to overcrowd them. Fry them for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they become golden and crispy.
3. Use a spatula to remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

Serving and variations

Sambusek are delicious served warm, alongside a yogurt sauce with mint or tahini. A fresh salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives can perfectly complement the meal. You can also experiment with different fillings, using ground meat, vegetables, or potatoes. Each variation brings a new taste and a unique culinary experience!

Useful tips

- Oil: Use an oil with a high smoke point, such as sunflower oil or peanut oil, to prevent burning.
- Freezing: If you want to prepare sambusek for later, you can freeze them before frying. Place them on a tray, put them in the freezer until solid, then transfer them to freezer bags. When you are ready to serve them, fry them directly from the freezer!

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can use feta or mozzarella, but the flavor of sheep cheese is special and authentic.

2. Are sambusek healthy?
Sambusek are a good source of protein and calcium due to the cheese, but frying adds calories. You can bake them in the oven for a healthier option.

3. What drinks pair well with sambusek?
A fresh lemonade, mint tea, or even a light white wine pairs well with these delicious pastries.

I hope this recipe for sambusek with sheep cheese and zaatar brings you smiles and pleasant moments with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 package of sambousek sheets, 500 grams of sheep cheese (grated on a large grater), 3 tablespoons of za'atar, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, vegetable oil for frying the pastries. If the dough for sambousek is made at home, the following are needed: 1 and 1/2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of palm margarine, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 cup of cold water.

 Tags:  sambousek dough egg cheese zaatar