Fatayer Sabanekh (Spinach Hand Pies)
Soft, lemon-kissed spinach and onion filling tucked inside tender yeasted dough and baked to a golden finish — a beloved Levantine hand pie served warm or at room temperature. Plan ahead: allow 1 hour for the dough to rise.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for dough)
- 2/3 cup warm water (110°F)
- 10 oz fresh baby spinach, finely chopped
- 1 yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground sumac
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for filling)
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
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1
In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp instant yeast, 1 tsp granulated sugar, and 1/2 tsp kosher salt. Add 2 tbsp olive oil (for dough) and 2/3 cup warm water (110°F) and stir until a shaggy dough forms. Knead for 5 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
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2
While the dough rises, prepare the filling. Toss 10 oz finely chopped fresh baby spinach with 1 tsp of salt and let stand for 10 minutes, then squeeze firmly in a clean towel to remove all excess liquid.
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3
Combine the drained spinach with 1 finely diced yellow onion, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp ground sumac, 2 tbsp olive oil (for filling), 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, and a pinch more salt. Taste and adjust seasoning — the filling should be tangy and well-seasoned.
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4
Preheat oven to 400°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
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5
Divide the risen dough into 8 equal pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into a 4-inch circle. Place 2 tablespoons of filling in the center, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
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6
Fold two sides of the circle toward the center and pinch them together. Fold the third side up and pinch all three seams firmly to form a triangular pie. Place seam-side up on the baking sheet and repeat with remaining dough.
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7
Brush the tops of the pies with a little extra olive oil. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the dough is golden and firm. Serve warm or at room temperature.