Fatayer sabanegh - Arab pastries with spinach

Fatayer Sabanegh - Aromatic Spinach Pies

Fatayer sabanegh, or spinach pies, are a popular delicacy found in many cultures across the Middle East. These pies are not only a delicious choice but also a healthy option, packed with nutrients due to the main ingredient: spinach. With a soft and fluffy dough and a flavorful filling, these pies are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family meal or a gathering with friends.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Number of servings: 24 pies

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 6 cups of flour
- 1 cup of milk (or warm water)
- 1 cup of olive oil
- 3 teaspoons of instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of water (for kneading)

For the spinach filling:
- 2 kg of fresh spinach
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup of sumac
- 1/3 cup of lemon juice
- 3/4 cup of olive oil
- 2 teaspoons of ground chili pepper (or to taste)
- 2 teaspoons of salt (or to taste)

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the dough
In a large bowl, add the flour and instant yeast. Mix well for 2 minutes to combine the dry ingredients. Add the olive oil, milk (or warm water), and salt. Start kneading the dough, gradually adding water until you achieve an elastic and homogeneous consistency. Knead the dough for about 20 minutes.

Practical tips: If you feel the dough is too sticky, you can add a little extra flour. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

After kneading the dough, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface, shape it into a ball, and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.

Step 2: Prepare the spinach filling
Meanwhile, wash the spinach well in several waters to remove any impurities. Finely chop both the leaves and stems of the spinach. After washing, squeeze the spinach well with your hands to remove excess water.

In a large bowl, combine the spinach with the chopped onion, sumac, lemon juice, olive oil, chili pepper, and salt. Mix well and let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to combine. Then, transfer the filling to a strainer over a bowl to remove excess liquid.

Personal note: If you want a heartier filling, you can add crumbled feta cheese or chopped green olives. These add a delicious touch and a pleasant contrast to the spinach.

Step 3: Form the pies
After the dough has risen, knead it gently for 2 minutes. Divide the dough into balls of about 3 cm in diameter. Place the balls on a greased baking tray with olive oil to prevent them from sticking.

On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball of dough by hand, forming a disc. Place a tablespoon of the spinach mixture in the center of each disc and fold it into a triangle, ensuring the edges are well sealed.

Step 4: Bake the pies
Arrange the pies on the prepared tray, leaving a little space between them to expand. Cover them with a cloth and let them rise for another 10 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 220 degrees Celsius.

After 10 minutes, place the tray in the oven and bake the pies for 12-15 minutes or until they are golden and browned.

Serving and combinations
Serve the pies warm, alongside a bowl of creamy yogurt or tahini sauce, which will add a note of freshness and a wonderful texture. These pies are also ideal for takeout, for a quick lunch or a delicious snack.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen spinach? Yes, but make sure to thaw it and drain it well to avoid excess water.
- How can I store the pies? You can keep the unbaked pies in the freezer and bake them as needed, giving them a fresh texture.
- Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! You can experiment with grated apple or zucchini in the filling for a sweeter option or with cabbage for a more intense flavor.

Nutritional benefits: Spinach is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron. These pies offer a combination of carbohydrates from the flour, healthy fats from the olive oil, and plenty of nutrients from the vegetable filling, making them a balanced choice for a meal.

I conclude with a personal note: This Fatayer sabanegh recipe reminds me of the days spent with my grandmother, who taught us how to knead the dough and fill the pies with love. It is a recipe that brings family and friends together, and the aroma of these baked pies is irresistible. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 6 cups of flour, 1 cup of milk, 1 cup of oil, 3 teaspoons of instant yeast, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 cup of water for kneading. For the spinach filling: 2 kg of fresh spinach, 2 finely chopped onions, 1/3 cup of sumac, 1/3 cup of lemon juice, 3/4 cup of olive oil, 2 teaspoons of ground chili pepper, 2 teaspoons of salt (or to taste).

 Tags:  spinach onion olive oil lemon flour yeast vegetable oil milk hot pepper