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Cheese Fatayer

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Cheese Fatayer are savory Middle Eastern pastries filled with a delicious cheese mixture, typically made from feta, mozzarella, or a combination of both. These pocket-shaped pastries have a crispy exterior and a soft, melty cheese center, often seasoned with fresh herbs like parsley and mint, making them perfect for appetizers, snacks, or as part of a larger meal.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 16 fatayers
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

For the Dough:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon instant yeast

1 teaspoon sugar

½ teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons olive oil

¾ cup warm water (more if needed)

For the Cheese Filling:

1 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped

1 teaspoon lemon zest

Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Egg Wash:

1 egg, beaten

1 tablespoon water

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  2. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, and stir until a dough forms.
  3. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
  4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise for 30 minutes.
  5. In a separate bowl, combine crumbled feta, shredded mozzarella, parsley, mint, lemon zest, and salt and pepper to taste for the cheese filling.
  6. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  7. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 16 equal portions.
  8. Roll each portion into a 4-inch circle. Place a tablespoon of the cheese mixture in the center of each dough circle.
  9. Fold the dough edges to form a triangle, pinching the corners to seal the filling inside.
  10. Place the fatayer on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with the egg wash.
  11. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Let them cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • If using store-bought dough, opt for puff pastry or pizza dough for a quicker version of fatayer.
  • For a twist, try adding more herbs like thyme, oregano, or dill to the filling.
  • You can freeze the assembled fatayer and bake them from frozen for about 20 minutes at 375°F.

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