Discover the classic Middle Eastern delight with our Fatayer recipe! These savory pastries are perfectly filled with your choice of spinach, cheese, or meat, offering a delightful blend of flavors in every bite. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, learn how to create these tasty treats with our step-by-step guide.

Ingredients:

-For the Dough:

 - 3 cups all-purpose flour

 - 1 cup warm water

 - 1/4 cup olive oil

 - 2 tablespoons sugar

 - 1 tablespoon active dry yeast

 - 1 teaspoon salt

- For the Spinach Filling:

 - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

 - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

 - 1/4 cup pine nuts (optional)

 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

 - 1 small onion, finely chopped

 - Salt and pepper to taste

- For the Cheese Filling:

 - 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled

 - 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

 - 1/4 cup fresh herbs (parsley or dill), chopped

 - Salt and pepper to taste

- For the Meat Filling:

 - 1/2 pound ground beef or lamb

 - 1 small onion, finely chopped

 - 1/4 cup pine nuts (optional)

 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin

 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

 - Salt and pepper to taste

 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:

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

  - In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.

  - Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Fillings:

  - Spinach Filling: Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté the onion until soft. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Stir in feta cheese and pine nuts. Season with salt and pepper.

  - Cheese Filling: Mix all cheese ingredients in a bowl, season with salt and pepper.

  - Meat Filling: Heat olive oil in a pan, cook the onion until translucent. Add the ground meat and cook until browned. Stir in pine nuts, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Cook until spices are well incorporated.

Assemble the Fatayer:

  - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  - Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a circle about 1/4 inch thick.

  - Place a tablespoon of your chosen filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to form a triangle or half-moon shape, pinching the edges to seal.

  - Arrange the pastries on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Serve:

  - Enjoy the Fatayer warm or at room temperature. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or part of a Middle Eastern meal!

Nutritional values

For the Dough:

3 cups all-purpose flour

 - Calories: 1,400

 - Carbohydrates: 300g

 - Protein: 30g

Benefits: Provides carbohydrates for energy and some protein. Depending on the type, it can also offer B vitamins and iron.

1 cup warm water

 - Calories: 0

Benefits: Essential for activating yeast and creating a dough.

1/4 cup olive oil

 - Calories: 240

 - Fat: 28g

Benefits: Rich in monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy. Contains vitamin E and antioxidants.

2 tablespoons sugar

 - Calories: 100

 - Carbohydrates: 25g

Benefits: Provides sweetness and helps activate yeast for dough rising.

1 tablespoon active dry yeast

 - Calories: 20

Benefits: Used for leavening the dough; contributes some B vitamins and proteins.

1 teaspoon salt

 - Calories: 0

Benefits: Adds flavor and helps in dough formation; use in moderation to manage sodium intake.

For the Spinach Filling:

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

 - Calories: 14

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

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

 - Calories: 200

 - Protein: 10g

 - Fat: 16g

Benefits: Provides protein and calcium. Contains beneficial fats.

1/4 cup pine nuts (optional)

 - Calories: 190

 - Fat: 19g

 - Protein: 4g

Benefits: Rich in healthy fats, protein, and vitamins. Provides magnesium, iron, and antioxidants.

1 tablespoon olive oil

 - Calories: 120

 - Fat: 14g

Benefits: Adds flavor and richness. Contains monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.

1 small onion, finely chopped

 - Calories: 30

Benefits: Adds flavor and contains compounds with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Salt and pepper to taste

 - Salt: Adds flavor; use in moderation.

 - Pepper: Contains antioxidants and aids digestion.

For the Cheese Filling:

1 cup feta cheese, crumbled

 - Calories: 200

 - Protein: 10g

 - Fat: 16g

Benefits: Provides protein and calcium. Contains beneficial fats.

1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

 - Calories: 170

 - Protein: 12g

 - Fat: 12g

Benefits: Provides protein and calcium. Contains fats for flavor and texture.

1/4 cup fresh herbs (parsley or dill), chopped

 - Calories: 5

Benefits: Adds flavor and contains vitamins A, C, and K. Provides antioxidants and supports immune health.

Salt and pepper to taste

 - Salt: Adds flavor; use in moderation.

 - Pepper: Contains antioxidants and aids digestion.

For the Meat Filling:

1/2 pound ground beef or lamb

 - Calories: 400 (for beef)

 - Protein: 30g

 - Fat: 30g

Benefits: Provides protein and essential vitamins and minerals such as iron and B vitamins.

1 small onion, finely chopped

 - Calories: 30

Benefits: Adds flavor and contains beneficial compounds.

1/4 cup pine nuts (optional)

 - Calories: 190

 - Fat: 19g

 - Protein: 4g

Benefits: Adds richness and additional nutrients.

1 teaspoon ground cumin

 - Calories: 8

Benefits: Adds flavor and has antioxidant properties. May aid digestion and have anti-inflammatory effects.

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

 - Calories: 6

Benefits: Adds flavor and contains antioxidants. May have anti-inflammatory and blood sugar-regulating properties.

Salt and pepper to taste

 - Salt: Adds flavor; use in moderation.

 - Pepper: Contains antioxidants and aids digestion.

1 tablespoon olive oil

 - Calories: 120

 - Fat: 14g

Benefits: Adds richness and flavor. Provides heart-healthy fats.

This recipe provides a variety of options for fillings, each offering different flavors and nutritional benefits. The dough is a versatile base, while the fillings add proteins, healthy fats, and essential nutrients. Spinach and cheese offer vitamins and minerals, while the meat filling adds robust flavor and protein. Optional ingredients like pine nuts enhance richness and nutrition.