If you have a craving for something utterly delicious and irresistibly comforting, you are in for a treat with this Classic Esfihas with Savory Ground Meat Filling Recipe. These Middle Eastern-inspired baked pastries are perfectly golden pockets of delight, filled with a spiced ground beef or lamb mixture that bursts with fresh veggies and vibrant herbs. Each bite offers a deliciously satisfying combination of juicy meat, tender dough, and a hint of tang from lemon juice, making these esfihas a standout dish for gatherings, snack time, or a cozy meal. Let me walk you through why these savory treats deserve a spot in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating these esfihas is a breeze once you have the right ingredients on hand. Every single component plays a special role, whether it’s the fluffy dough for irresistible texture or the fresh vegetables blending with the spices for depth of flavor.
- Ground beef or lamb: Choose fresh, lean meat for a rich, juicy filling that’s full of savory goodness.
- Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatics that make the filling sing.
- Tomatoes: Bring a natural acidity and moisture that keep the meat mixture tender and flavorful.
- Bell peppers: Provide crunch and a touch of sweetness, balancing the savory elements beautifully.
- Parsley: Offers a fresh, herbaceous lift that brightens every bite.
- Spices: Essential for layering flavor — think cumin, paprika, and pepper to give that classic Middle Eastern vibe.
- Olive oil: Helps to meld the ingredients together while adding a silky richness.
- Lemon juice: A splash that enhances the savory filling with a fresh and tangy zing.
How to Make Classic Esfihas with Savory Ground Meat Filling Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
The foundation of perfect esfihas is a soft, elastic dough that rises beautifully. Mix your ingredients, knead the dough until smooth, then cover and allow it to rest and rise until doubled in size. This process not only develops flavor but ensures a tender, airy crust that complements the filling perfectly.
Step 2: Cook the Filling
While the dough is rising, get your skillet ready. Sauté onions until translucent, then add the ground beef or lamb, breaking it up as it browns. Toss in diced tomatoes, bell peppers, fresh parsley, and your blend of spices. Drizzle in olive oil and finish with a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the mixture. Let the flavors marry over medium heat until the mixture is thick and fragrant.
Step 3: Shape the Esfihas
Once the dough is ready, roll it out into small rounds. Spoon a generous helping of your savory ground meat filling right into the center of each piece. This step is so satisfying because you get to see the vibrant filling nestled inside the dough, promising a tasty bite ahead.
Step 4: Form the Classic Boat Shape
Fold the edges of the dough upwards to create a distinctive open boat shape, carefully pinching the corners so the filling stays put while baking. This traditional form not only looks beautiful but allows the aromatic filling to caramelize and brown slightly on top.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden Brown
Place your shaped esfihas on a baking tray and slide them into a preheated oven. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the crust turns a gorgeous golden brown and the filling bubbles lightly. The aroma filling your kitchen will tell you just how good these are about to be.
How to Serve Classic Esfihas with Savory Ground Meat Filling Recipe
Garnishes
Serving esfihas with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of tahini sauce adds an appealing freshness and creaminess that elevate the experience. A squeeze of extra lemon juice at the table also perks up the flavors, making each bite lively and memorable.
Side Dishes
Complement your esfihas with simple sides like a crisp cucumber and tomato salad or a bowl of creamy hummus. These light accompaniments balance the hearty meat filling and create a well-rounded meal that everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, arrange your esfihas on a large wooden board alongside olives, pickles, and roasted nuts. Adding small bowls of yogurt or garlic sauce encourages everyone to customize their bites, turning this Classic Esfihas with Savory Ground Meat Filling Recipe into a fun, interactive spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra esfihas, cool them completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They maintain their texture surprisingly well and make for fantastic next-day snacks or lunches.
Freezing
Esfihas freeze beautifully! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They keep for up to two months, allowing you to enjoy this Classic Esfihas with Savory Ground Meat Filling Recipe anytime the craving strikes.
Reheating
To bring frozen or refrigerated esfihas back to life, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through and crisp on the edges. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve their delightful crunch.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! While ground beef or lamb are traditional, you can try ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Just remember to adjust the spices slightly to keep the bold flavor.
Is it possible to make the dough gluten-free?
Yes, but gluten-free dough requires a mix of specially formulated flours and binding agents. You might need to experiment a bit to get the same stretchy, fluffy texture, but it’s definitely doable for gluten-free diets.
What spices work best in the savory filling?
Cumin, paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of cinnamon combine to give the filling that warm, aromatic profile. Feel free to tweak the amounts based on your personal taste.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes, the filling can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. This actually enhances the flavors as the spices infuse fully, making your Classic Esfihas with Savory Ground Meat Filling Recipe even more delicious.
What’s the best way to serve esfihas for a party?
Serve them warm on a platter with an array of fresh garnishes and dipping sauces like tahini or garlic yogurt. They’re perfect for sharing and easy for guests to enjoy as finger food.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to try this Classic Esfihas with Savory Ground Meat Filling Recipe in your kitchen. With its simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and incredibly rewarding flavors, these pastries have become a true favorite of mine. They bring warmth, comfort, and just a little touch of celebration to any day, and I can’t wait for you to taste and enjoy them as much as I do.
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Classic Esfihas with Savory Ground Meat Filling Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 esfihas
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Description
Esfihas are delicious Middle Eastern savory pastries filled with a flavorful mixture of ground beef or lamb, vegetables, and aromatic spices. These freshly baked treats have a soft, fluffy dough and a well-seasoned filling, making them perfect for snacks or meals.
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Filling
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt, then add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Knead until smooth and elastic. Cover and allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes until doubled in size.
- Cook the filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Add ground beef or lamb, cook until browned. Stir in chopped tomatoes, bell peppers, cumin, cinnamon, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 5-8 minutes until vegetables soften and flavors meld. Remove from heat, stir in parsley and lemon juice, and let cool slightly.
- Shape the esfihas: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each piece into a thin circle about 5-6 inches in diameter. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle.
- Form the esfihas: Fold the dough edges towards the center, pinching the corners to create a triangular or boat shape that holds the filling securely.
- Bake: Place the shaped esfihas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground lamb with ground beef or vice versa depending on preference.
- For a vegetarian version, replace meat with a mixture of mushrooms and lentils.
- Adjust spices according to taste; adding a pinch of chili flakes can add heat.
- Serve esfihas with tahini sauce or yogurt for dipping.
- Allow the filling to cool before adding to dough to prevent sogginess.
