Spinach Fatayer

Spinach Fatayer is a delicious Middle Eastern pastry filled with a savory spinach and herb mixture, perfect for a light snack or appetizer. These golden, triangular hand pies combine flaky dough with a tangy filling, often enhanced by sumac and lemon. Whether you’re new to Middle Eastern cuisine or a seasoned fan, this simple recipe is sure to become a favorite!

What makes Fatayer special?

Fatayer is special because of its unique combination of soft, homemade dough and flavorful fillings, often featuring ingredients like spinach, cheese, or meat.

The dough is typically hand-folded into a signature triangular shape, giving the pastry an artisanal look.

Its roots in Levantine cuisine and the balance of fresh herbs, spices, and tangy notes like sumac or lemon juice make fatayer a beloved dish that’s both comforting and rich in cultural heritage.

What are typical Fatayer fillings?

Typical fillings for fatayer include:

• spinach mixed with onions, sumac, and lemon juice for a tangy flavor
• a cheese blend, often with feta or akkawi, combined with herbs like parsley or mint;
• minced, spiced meat, usually lamb or beef, seasoned with ingredients like allspice, cinnamon, or pine nuts.

These fillings offer a variety of tastes, from fresh and zesty to rich and savory.

 

What is a traditional dough for Fatayer

Traditional dough for fatayer is a soft, yeast-based dough that is light and slightly chewy.

It is made with basic ingredients like flour, water, yeast, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and sugar. The dough is kneaded until smooth, then left to rise until doubled in size, creating a light and airy texture.

Olive oil in the dough helps keep it tender and adds a subtle richness, while the yeast gives the dough its lift and elasticity, making it easy to roll out and shape into the triangular fatayer form. This simple dough is key to achieving the traditional soft and golden crust.

​Is Pizza dough an alternative?

Pizza dough can be used as a substitute for traditional fatayer dough.

While traditional fatayer dough is slightly softer and more enriched with olive oil, pizza dough works well because it has a similar texture and elasticity, making it easy to shape and fill.

Using pizza dough provides a convenient shortcut without sacrificing much in terms of flavor or texture, though the crust may be slightly chewier and less tender than the traditional version.

What ingredients are needed to make Spinach Fatayer?

In a Spinach Fatayer recipe, pizza dough serves as a convenient substitute for traditional homemade dough, offering a soft yet chewy base that can be easily shaped into the signature triangular pies.

Spinach is the star filling, providing a nutritious, earthy flavor; it’s typically blanched or wilted to remove excess moisture before mixing with other ingredients.

Onion adds sweetness and depth to the filling, usually finely chopped and sautéed or mixed raw with the spinach for a fresh bite.

The juice of a lemon brings a bright, tangy note that balances the richness of the spinach and onion, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the fatayer.

Chopped parsley introduces a fresh, herbaceous element, complementing the spinach and adding vibrancy to the filling.

Finally, sumac, a tangy Middle Eastern spice, is crucial for its slightly sour, citrusy flavor, which heightens the taste of the spinach and gives the fatayer its distinctive zesty kick.

How to make Spinach Fatayer?

Start with chopping the onion. Clean and chop the spinach, if you use fresh one.

Heat olive oil in a large pan. Fry the onions on medium-high heat for about 5 minutes. Add the spinach, the juice of a lemon, and sumac. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the spinach wilts and combines well.

Mix with the chopped parsley, then set aside.

Roll out the pizza dough and cut out roughly three-inch diameter circles. Fill each with a spoonful of the spinach filling. If the filling is too watery, drain it first.

Fold in the dough at one end, then carefully the other sides, such that they have the typical shape.

Transfer the Spinach Fatayer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush them with almond milk. Bake them for 10 minutes at 380F.

Serving Suggestions for Spinach Fatayer

Here are some delicious serving suggestions for Spinach Fatayer:

1. Dipping Sauces: Serve with a side of garlic yogurt sauce, tahini, or a spicy chili sauce for added flavor.
2. Fresh Salads: Pair with a refreshing tabbouleh or fattoush salad to complement the richness of the fatayer.
3. Pickles: Accompany with a variety of pickled vegetables, such as turnips or cucumbers, for a tangy contrast.
4. Herbs and Spices: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or mint, or sprinkle sumac on top for extra flavor.
5. Mediterranean Platter: Include the fatayer as part of a larger mezze platter, alongside items like hummus, baba ghanoush, and stuffed grape leaves.
6. Warm Bread: Serve with warm pita or flatbread to enhance the overall experience and provide a vehicle for dipping.

These options can enhance the flavor and enjoyment of Spinach Fatayer, making for a satisfying meal or appetizer!

Other Mediterranean recipes to try

• Mediterranean Vegan Burger
• 10 Minute Mediterranean Vegan Pasta
• Mediterranean Pinwheels
• Moroccan Chickpea Lentil Potato Casserole
• Fattoush Salad

I hope you enjoyed making and savoring these delicious Spinach Fatayer!

If you loved this recipe, please take a moment to leave a comment and share your thoughts along with a star rating—it really helps me out and inspires others to try it!

Don’t forget to share your own creations on Instagram and Facebook; I’d love to see how your fatayer turned out! Tag me with your photos, and let’s spread the joy of cooking together!