Description
Cheese Fatayer is a delicious Middle Eastern savory pastry featuring a soft, slightly chewy dough filled with a flavorful blend of feta and mozzarella cheeses, enhanced by fresh herbs. These triangular hand pies are baked to golden perfection, making them perfect as an appetizer, snack, or a light meal, enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 cup warm water (adjust as needed)
For the Cheese Filling
- 1 1/2 cups crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint or parsley
- 1 egg (lightly beaten, optional for binding)
- Black sesame or nigella seeds for topping (optional)
For the Egg Wash (Optional)
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Gradually add olive oil and warm water while mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Make the Filling: While the dough rises, prepare the cheese filling by mixing crumbled feta, shredded mozzarella, chopped fresh mint or parsley, and the lightly beaten egg if using, in a medium bowl. Set aside for later use.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Divide and Roll the Dough: Once the dough has risen, divide it into 10 to 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece out into a circle approximately 4 to 5 inches in diameter on a lightly floured surface.
- Fill and Shape the Fatayer: Place 1 to 2 tablespoons of the cheese filling in the center of each dough circle. To form the triangular shape, pinch two opposite sides of the dough circle to create a point, then bring the third side up to meet the points, sealing all edges tightly to prevent the filling from escaping. Arrange the shaped fatayer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Apply Egg Wash and Seeds: If desired, brush the tops of the fatayer with the egg yolk and milk mixture to achieve a shiny golden crust. Sprinkle with black sesame or nigella seeds as a flavorful garnish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the fatayer are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature as a delightful snack or appetizer.
Notes
- You can substitute the cheese filling with other varieties like akkawi, halloumi, or a mix of cream cheese and herbs for different flavors.
- The dough can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated overnight to allow for convenience and enhanced flavor.
- If you prefer a vegan version, omit the egg in the filling and egg wash; consider adding mashed tofu or a vegan cheese alternative.
- Adjust water amount as needed for the dough consistency, as flour humidity may vary.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fatayer
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
