Fatayer Sabanekh (Spinach Hand Pies)

Name: Fatayer Sabanekh (Spinach Hand Pies)
Prep time: 55 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 75 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
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

75 minMediumServes 4280 cal/serving

Middle EasternAppetizerOvenVeganMediterraneanHalal-friendlyDairy-FreeEgg-FreeNut-FreeLow-SodiumPork-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

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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

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.
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.
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.
4

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
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.
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.
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.

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Questions

What is 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. This reference files it under Middle Eastern appetizer: made in the oven, rated medium and about 75 minutes start to finish.

How long does Fatayer Sabanekh (Spinach Hand Pies) take?

As written, 75 minutes: 55 of prep and 20 of cooking. The longest single stretch is the hands-off wait in step 1, 1 hour.

What temperature do I cook Fatayer Sabanekh (Spinach Hand Pies) at?

For Fatayer Sabanekh (Spinach Hand Pies), the frying oil is held at 110 F (about 45 C) in step 1. Hotter scorches the outside before the inside cooks, and cooler turns it greasy. The oven is also used at 400 F (about 205 C) in step 4.

What should Fatayer Sabanekh (Spinach Hand Pies) look like when it is ready?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 7: cook until the dough is golden and firm.

Is there a substitute for sumac in Fatayer Sabanekh (Spinach Hand Pies)?

The entry for Fatayer Sabanekh (Spinach Hand Pies) calls for 1 tsp ground sumac. In its place: Lemon zest with a pinch of salt gives the same bright sourness. Add it at the end, as you would the sumac.

Can I make Fatayer Sabanekh (Spinach Hand Pies) gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in Fatayer Sabanekh (Spinach Hand Pies) is 2 cups all-purpose flour. Swap the flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend (where it only thickens a sauce, half as much cornstarch also works). Everything else proceeds as written.

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