Are you craving a delicious, homemade meal that’s both satisfying and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This Fatayer recipe, inspired by the heartwarming home cooking style of Joanna Gaines, is your answer. These savory pastries are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a casual weekend brunch, or even a delightful appetizer for your next gathering. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these irresistible, flaky pockets of flavor!
Ingredients:
This recipe yields approximately 12 fatayer.
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup warm water (adjust as needed)
For the Filling:
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 pound ground lamb (or beef)
- 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Making the Dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
- Add the yogurt and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a crumbly mixture forms.
- Gradually add the warm water, mixing until a soft, pliable dough comes together. You may need slightly more or less water depending on the consistency of your flour.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a softer, flakier dough.
Preparing the Filling:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground lamb (or beef) to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in the parsley, mint, allspice, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Assembling and Baking the Fatayer:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Divide the dough into 12 equal-sized balls.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough ball into a thin circle, about 5-6 inches in diameter.
- Place a spoonful of the meat filling in the center of each circle.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, pressing the edges firmly to seal. You can crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch.
- Place the fatayer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the fatayer are golden brown and the filling is heated through.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these warm Fatayer with a side of hummus, a simple salad, or a dollop of plain yogurt for a complete and delicious meal.
Cooking Tips and Variations:
- For a vegetarian option: Substitute the ground lamb with finely chopped mushrooms, spinach, and a sprinkle of feta cheese.
- Add some spice: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Different herbs: Experiment with different herbs like oregano, thyme, or dill.
- Make ahead: The dough can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 250-300 Fat: 15-20g Protein: 10-15g Carbohydrates: 20-25g
Enjoy your homemade Fatayer – a delicious and satisfying dish perfect for any occasion! These easy recipes are a great way to enjoy homemade cooking and healthy meals. This recipe is among the best recipes for a quick dinner idea.