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
Scale
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.
