Discover how to make Sambousek, a popular Middle Eastern pastry filled with savory spiced meat or cheese. Whether you prefer them fried to a crispy perfection or baked for a lighter option, this recipe will guide you through the steps to create these delicious pastries. Perfect for appetizers, snacks, or party treats!

Ingredients:

- For the Dough:

 - 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

 - 1 tsp salt

 - 1 tsp sugar

 - 1 cup warm water

 - ¼ cup vegetable oil

 - 1 tsp active dry yeast

- For the Filling:

 - 1 lb ground beef or lamb (or a mix)

 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped

 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

 - 1 tsp ground cumin

 - 1 tsp ground coriander

 - 1 tsp paprika

 - 1 tsp ground cinnamon

 - Salt and pepper to taste

 - ½ cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro

 - 1 cup grated cheese (optional)

- For Frying/Baking:

 - Vegetable oil (for frying)

 - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash, if baking)

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:

  - In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar.

  - Dissolve yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.

  - Mix the yeast mixture and vegetable oil into the flour mixture.

  - Knead the dough on a floured surface 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 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Filling:

  - Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground meat with onions and garlic until browned and cooked through.

  - Add cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

  - Stir in chopped parsley or cilantro. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Assemble the Sambousek:

  - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) if baking.

  - Divide the dough into small balls and roll each ball into a thin circle.

  - Place a spoonful of the meat filling (and cheese if using) in the center of each circle.

  - Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape and seal the edges by pressing with a fork.

  - For frying: Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the sambousek until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.

  - For baking: Place the sambousek on a baking sheet, brush with beaten egg, and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Serve:

  - Enjoy your Sambousek hot or at room temperature as an appetizer, snack, or party treat!

Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients or adjust the spices to suit your taste!

Nutritional Values:

All-Purpose Flour:

   - Calories: 455

   - Carbohydrates: 95g

   - Protein: 13g

   - Fat: 1g

   - Fiber: 3g

Benefits:

   - Provides energy through carbohydrates.

   - Fortified with iron and B vitamins, which are essential for metabolism and red blood cell production.

Salt:

   - Sodium: 2,300 mg

Benefits:

   - Essential for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function.

   - Helps with muscle contractions and digestion.

Sugar:

   - Calories: 16

   - Carbohydrates: 4g

Benefits:

   - Provides a quick source of energy.

   - Enhances flavor and texture in baked goods.

Vegetable Oil:

   - Calories: 120

   - Fat: 14g

   - Saturated Fat: 1g

Benefits:

   - Provides healthy fats that support cell function and energy.

   - Can be a source of omega-6 fatty acids.

Active Dry Yeast:

   - Calories: 20

   - Carbohydrates: 2g

   - Protein: 2g

Benefits:

   - Provides B vitamins like B1, B2, and B6, which are important for energy metabolism.

   - Helps with dough rising and gives baked goods a light texture.

Ground Beef or Lamb:

   - Calories: 250

   - Protein: 26g

   - Fat: 17g

   - Iron: 2.5 mg

Benefits:

   - High in protein for muscle building and repair.

   - Rich in iron, which is essential for oxygen transport in the blood.

Onion:

   - Calories: 45

   - Carbohydrates: 11g

   - Fiber: 2g

   - Vitamin C: 10% of the daily value

Benefits:

   - Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

   - Supports immune function and digestive health.

Garlic:

   - Calories: 4

   - Carbohydrates: 1g

   - Protein: 0.2g

Benefits:

   - Known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

   - Supports cardiovascular health and immune function.

Ground Cumin:

   - Calories: 8

   - Carbohydrates: 1g

   - Iron: 0.8 mg

Benefits:

   - Rich in iron, which supports energy levels and immune function.

   - Contains antioxidants that may aid digestion and metabolism.

Ground Coriander:

   - Calories: 6

   - Carbohydrates: 1g

   - Fiber: 0.5g

Benefits:

   - Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

   - May aid in digestion and help regulate blood sugar levels.

Paprika:

   - Calories: 6

   - Carbohydrates: 1g

   - Vitamin A: 1,600 IU

Benefits:

   - High in antioxidants, particularly vitamin A.

   - Supports eye health and immune function.

Ground Cinnamon:

   - Calories: 6

   - Carbohydrates: 2g

   - Fiber: 1g

Benefits:

   - Contains antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation.

   - May support blood sugar control and digestive health.

Fresh Parsley or Cilantro:

   - Calories: 22

   - Carbohydrates: 4g

   - Vitamin C: 40% of the daily value

Benefits:

   - Rich in vitamins A and C.

   - Supports immune health and may have anti-inflammatory properties.

Cheese (Optional):

   - Calories: 114

   - Protein: 7g

   - Fat: 9g

Benefits:

   - Provides protein and calcium for bone health.

   - Adds flavor and richness to the filling.

Egg (For Egg Wash, optional):

   - Calories: 70

   - Protein: 6g

   - Fat: 5g

   - Vitamin A: 6% of the daily value

Benefits:

   - High-quality protein and essential amino acids.

   - Supports eye health and immune function.

Each ingredient contributes to the flavor, texture, and nutritional profile of the Sambousek, making it a delicious and satisfying choice for any meal or occasion.