Description
Spinach Fatayer, also known as Lebanese spinach pies, are soft triangular pastries filled with seasoned spinach, onions, olive oil, lemon juice, and tangy sumac spice. These savory Middle Eastern pastries are fluffy, flavorful, and perfect for breakfast, snacks, appetizers, or light meals.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
- 1 egg yolk for brushing the dough
- 500 grams fresh spinach, chopped
- 3/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon sumac spice
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- In a separate bowl, stir the instant yeast into the warm water and let sit for 5 minutes until slightly foamy.
- Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture and mix until a dough forms. Add the remaining olive oil while kneading.
- Knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until doubled in size.
- While the dough rises, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the chopped onions until softened.
- Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted and most moisture evaporates.
- Season with sumac, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Allow the filling to cool completely.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (220°C).
- Roll the dough onto a lightly floured surface until about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut the dough into circles using a bowl or cutter.
- Place 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons of filling into the center of each circle.
- Fold and pinch three sides together firmly to form a triangle shape.
- Arrange the fatayer on a lined baking tray and brush lightly with egg yolk.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve warm with yogurt sauce, hummus, salad, or tea.
Notes
- Allow the spinach filling to cool completely before assembling to avoid soggy dough.
- Frozen spinach may be used if thoroughly drained.
- Sumac adds the signature tangy Middle Eastern flavor.
- Pinch the dough seams tightly to prevent opening during baking.
- For a vegan version, brush the dough with olive oil instead of egg yolk.
- These pies freeze very well after baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Lebanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fatayer
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
