Discover how to make authentic Fatayer, the beloved savory pastries that are perfect for any occasion. This versatile recipe features flaky dough filled with your choice of spinach, cheese, or seasoned meat. Learn the step-by-step process to create these delectable Middle Eastern treats that are sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

- 4 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 cup warm water

- 1/4 cup vegetable oil

- 1/4 cup plain yogurt

- 2 tablespoons sugar

- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast

- 1 teaspoon salt

For the Spinach Filling:

- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

- 1 small onion, finely chopped

- 1 tablespoon olive oil

- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

- 1/4 cup pine nuts (optional)

- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

For the Cheese Filling:

- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled

- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Meat Filling:

- 1/2 pound ground beef or lamb

- 1 small onion, finely chopped

- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice

- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

- Salt and black pepper to taste

- 1/4 cup pine nuts (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:

  - In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar and yeast in warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.

  - In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, vegetable oil, and yogurt.

  - Mix until a dough forms, then knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

  - Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Fillings:

  - Spinach Filling: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the onion until soft, then add the spinach, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until the spinach is wilted and any excess moisture has evaporated. Stir in pine nuts and feta cheese if using.

  - Cheese Filling: Mix the feta, mozzarella, parsley, and black pepper in a bowl.

  - Meat Filling: In a skillet, cook the ground meat and onion over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat. Add cinnamon, allspice, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir in pine nuts if using.

Assemble the Fatayer:

  - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  - Punch down the dough and divide it into small balls. Roll each ball into a thin circle on a floured surface.

  - Place a tablespoon of filling in the center of each circle. Fold the edges over to form a triangle or crescent shape, pinching the edges to seal.

  - Place the pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with a little oil or beaten egg for a golden finish.

Bake:

  - Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the Fatayer are golden brown and crisp.

  - Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy these delicious Fatayer warm or at room temperature, perfect as an appetizer, snack, or part of a meal!

Nutritional Values:

All-Purpose Flour:

  - Nutritional Values (per 100g): 364 calories, 76g carbs, 10g protein, 1g fat

Benefits: Provides a good source of energy and is rich in carbohydrates. It's also fortified with iron and B vitamins in many brands.

Warm Water:

  - Nutritional Values: 0 calories, 0g carbs, 0g protein, 0g fat

Benefits: Essential for hydration and helps in the activation of yeast.

Vegetable Oil:

  - Nutritional Values (per 1 tablespoon): 120 calories, 14g fat (2g saturated fat), 0g carbs, 0g protein

Benefits: Contains essential fatty acids and vitamin E. Use in moderation for a healthy balance.

Plain Yogurt:

  - Nutritional Values (per 100g): 59 calories, 3.6g protein, 3.6g fat, 4.7g carbs

Benefits: Rich in protein, calcium, and probiotics, which support digestive health and bone strength.

Sugar:

  - Nutritional Values (per 1 tablespoon): 49 calories, 13g carbs

Benefits: Provides quick energy but should be used sparingly due to its high caloric content and low nutritional value.

Active Dry Yeast:

  - Nutritional Values (per 1 teaspoon): 21 calories, 0g fat, 0g carbs, 2g protein

Benefits: Rich in B vitamins and protein, helps in fermentation and dough rising.

Salt:

  - Nutritional Values (per 1 teaspoon): 0 calories, 0g fat, 0g carbs, 0g protein

Benefits: Essential for flavor and helps in maintaining electrolyte balance. Excessive intake should be avoided.

Spinach Filling Ingredients:

Fresh Spinach:

  - Nutritional Values (per 100g): 23 calories, 3.6g protein, 0.4g fat, 1.1g carbs

Benefits: High in vitamins A, C, and K, iron, and antioxidants. Supports eye health, immune function, and blood health.

Onion:

  - Nutritional Values (per 100g): 40 calories, 9g carbs, 1g protein, 0.1g fat

Benefits: Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Supports heart health and may help in digestion.

Olive Oil:

  - Nutritional Values (per 1 tablespoon): 119 calories, 14g fat (2g saturated fat), 0g carbs, 0g protein

Benefits: Rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. Supports heart health and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Ground Cumin:

  - Nutritional Values (per 1 teaspoon): 8 calories, 0.4g protein, 0.5g fat, 0.9g carbs

Benefits: Contains iron and antioxidants. May aid digestion and have antimicrobial properties.

Black Pepper:

  - Nutritional Values (per 1 teaspoon): 6 calories, 0.2g protein, 0.1g fat, 1.4g carbs

Benefits: May enhance nutrient absorption and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Pine Nuts:

  - Nutritional Values (per 1 ounce/28g): 190 calories, 19g fat, 4g protein, 4g carbs

Benefits: Rich in healthy fats, protein, and minerals like magnesium and zinc. Supports heart health and provides energy.

Feta Cheese:

  - Nutritional Values (per 1 ounce/28g): 80 calories, 6g fat, 4g protein, 1g carbs

Benefits: Good source of calcium and protein. May aid bone health and add flavor with less fat than some other cheeses.

Cheese Filling Ingredients:

Mozzarella Cheese:

  - Nutritional Values (per 1 ounce/28g): 85 calories, 6g fat, 6g protein, 1g carbs

Benefits: Provides calcium and protein. Can be a lower-fat cheese option compared to others.

Fresh Parsley:

  - Nutritional Values (per 1/4 cup): 5 calories, 0g fat, 0.5g protein, 1g carbs

Benefits: High in vitamins A, C, and K. Acts as an antioxidant and supports digestion.

Meat Filling Ingredients:

Ground Beef or Lamb:

  - Nutritional Values (per 3 ounces/85g): 250 calories, 20g fat, 18g protein, 0g carbs

Benefits: Rich in protein and essential nutrients like iron and vitamin B12. Supports muscle health and energy levels.

Ground Cinnamon:

  - Nutritional Values (per 1 teaspoon): 6 calories, 0g fat, 0.2g protein, 2g carbs

Benefits: Contains antioxidants and may help in controlling blood sugar levels.

Ground Allspice:

  - Nutritional Values (per 1 teaspoon): 6 calories, 0g fat, 0.2g protein, 1.5g carbs

Benefits: Has anti-inflammatory properties and may aid digestion.

Ground Cumin:

Benefits: (See above in Spinach Filling Ingredients)

Additional Notes:

- Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and preparations.