Imagine biting into a golden, crispy pastry that reveals a burst of vibrant, herb-infused spinach with every mouthful. Spinach Fatayer is not just a recipe; it's a culinary journey that transports you straight to the heart of Lebanon, where every bite tells a story of tradition, flavor, and pure gastronomic delight. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a curious food lover, this Lebanese spinach pie will revolutionize your understanding of appetizers and leave your guests begging for more.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: Lebanese
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp sumac
- 1 package of dough (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Prepare the spinach filling by thoroughly washing the fresh spinach and draining it completely. Chop the spinach into fine pieces.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach wilts and releases its moisture.
- Toast the pine nuts in a separate dry pan until golden brown, being careful not to burn them. Add the toasted pine nuts to the spinach mixture.
- Season the spinach filling with salt, black pepper, and sumac. Mix thoroughly and remove from heat. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough and cut into circular shapes approximately 4-5 inches in diameter.
- Place a spoonful of the spinach filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the edges to create a triangular shape, pinching the corners to seal completely.
- Arrange the prepared fatayer on the baking sheet, leaving space between each pie.
- Brush the tops of the fatayer with olive oil for a golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry turns golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Can be served warm or at room temperature.
Tips
- Moisture is Key: Ensure your spinach is thoroughly drained to prevent soggy pastries.
- Pine Nut Perfection: Toast pine nuts carefully - they burn quickly, so watch them like a hawk!
- Dough Matters: Use fresh, high-quality dough for the best texture and flavor.
- Sealing Technique: When folding your fatayer, pinch the edges firmly to create a tight seal and prevent filling leakage.
- Golden Brown Finish: Brush with olive oil before baking to achieve that irresistible crispy, golden exterior.
- Serving Suggestion: These are fantastic served warm, but they're equally delicious at room temperature - perfect for make-ahead entertaining.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 192kcal
Carbohydrates: 17g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
