Discover how to make Fataya, a mouthwatering treat featuring fried pastries stuffed with a flavorful mixture of spiced meat or vegetables. Perfect for appetizers or snacks, these crispy pastries are easy to prepare and packed with savory goodness. Follow our simple recipe to create these delightful pastries at home!

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

 - 2 cups all-purpose flour

 - 1/2 cup warm water

 - 1/4 cup vegetable oil

 - 1 teaspoon salt

 - 1 teaspoon sugar

 - 1 tablespoon active dry yeast

For the Filling:

 - 1/2 pound ground beef or lamb (or chopped vegetables for a vegetarian option)

 - 1 onion, finely chopped

 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

 - 1 tablespoon ground cumin

 - 1 teaspoon paprika

 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

 - Salt and pepper to taste

 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro

 - 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional)

For Frying:

 - Vegetable oil

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:

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

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

  - Mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

  - Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Filling:

  - Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and cook until softened.

  - Add the ground meat (or chopped vegetables) and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

  - Stir in the cumin, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Cook for a few more minutes until well combined.

  - Mix in the parsley or cilantro and tomato paste (if using). Allow the filling to cool slightly.

Assemble the Fataya:

  - Punch down the risen dough and divide it into small balls (about the size of a golf ball).

  - Roll out each ball into a thin circle on a floured surface.

  - Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each circle.

  - Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape and press the edges together to seal. You can crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch.

Fry the Fataya:

  - Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).

  - Fry the Fataya in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.

  - Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

Enjoy your homemade Fataya as a tasty snack or appetizer!

Nutritional Values

All-Purpose Flour:

  - Calories: 455

  - Protein: 13g

  - Carbohydrates: 95g

  - Fat: 1g

  - Fiber: 3g

Benefits: Provides a good source of carbohydrates and energy. It's also enriched with vitamins and minerals, such as iron and B vitamins, which are important for metabolism and overall health.

Vegetable Oil:

  - Calories: 120

  - Fat: 14g

  - Saturated Fat: 1g

  - Monounsaturated Fat: 10g

  - Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g

Benefits: Provides healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats, which can support heart health. Also helps in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Salt:

  - Sodium: 2,300mg

Benefits: Essential for maintaining fluid balance and proper nerve and muscle function. However, excessive salt intake can contribute to high blood pressure and other health issues.

Sugar:

  - Calories: 16

  - Carbohydrates: 4g

Benefits: Provides a quick source of energy. However, excessive consumption can lead to health issues like weight gain and diabetes.

Active Dry Yeast:

  - Calories: 20

  - Protein: 2g

  - Carbohydrates: 2g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Rich in B vitamins, particularly B12, which supports energy metabolism and overall health. It also aids in digestion and contributes to the leavening process in baking.

For the Filling:

Ground Beef or Lamb:

  - Calories: 250

  - Protein: 26g

  - Fat: 20g

  - Saturated Fat: 8g

  - Cholesterol: 80mg

Benefits: Excellent source of high-quality protein, iron, and B vitamins. Supports muscle growth, repair, and overall energy levels.

Onion:

  - Calories: 44

  - Protein: 1g

  - Carbohydrates: 10g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Fiber: 2g

Benefits: Rich in antioxidants, particularly quercetin, which may help reduce inflammation and support heart health. Also provides vitamin C and fiber.

Garlic:

  - Calories: 5

  - Protein: 0.2g

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Contains allicin, which has been shown to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Supports immune function and heart health.

Ground Cumin:

  - Calories: 8

  - Protein: 0.4g

  - Carbohydrates: 0.6g

  - Fat: 0.5g

Benefits: Contains antioxidants and compounds that support digestion and may have anti-inflammatory properties. Rich in iron, which supports energy levels and immune function.

Paprika:

  - Calories: 6

  - Protein: 0.3g

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Fat: 0.3g

Benefits: High in vitamin A and antioxidants, which support eye health and may help reduce inflammation.

Ground Cinnamon:

  - Calories: 6

  - Protein: 0.1g

  - Carbohydrates: 2g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Contains antioxidants and has been linked to improved blood sugar control and anti-inflammatory effects.

Salt and Pepper:

  - Negligible calories or macronutrients

Benefits: Enhance the flavor of dishes. Black pepper also contains piperine, which may aid in digestion and enhance the absorption of nutrients.

Fresh Parsley or Cilantro:

  - Calories: 4

  - Protein: 0.5g

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits: High in vitamins A, C, and K. Rich in antioxidants and may support digestion and overall health.

Tomato Paste (optional):

  - Calories: 13

  - Protein: 0.6g

  - Carbohydrates: 3g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Provides antioxidants such as lycopene, which supports heart health and may reduce the risk of certain cancers.

For Frying:

Vegetable Oil:

 - Nutritional Values (as above):

Benefits: Helps achieve a crispy texture. Opt for oils with healthier fat profiles, like olive oil, if possible.

These values and benefits can vary slightly based on specific brands and preparation methods, but this provides a general overview.