| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 479 | 18g | 6g | 63g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 6g | 18g | 1.56g |
Why I Love Saudi Arabian Spinach and Feta Fatayer
For those of you who follow my recipes, you’ll know that I have a profound love for blending the comforting touch of classic American cuisine with the health-awareness that is innate to my sunny Californian upbringing. Today’s dish is no different – let me introduce you to the delightfully tangy and nourishing Spinach and Feta Fatayer.
A Culinary Journey to Saudi Arabia
Cooking, to me, is like travelling without ever leaving the comfort of my home-kitchen; able to explore different cultures, tastes, and techniques. In this recipe, the journey takes us to the exotic landscapes of Saudi Arabia. While this dish is not part of my usual repertoire of West Coast-inspired creations, I couldn’t help but fall in love with it for its simplicity and the depth of flavors it brings to the table. My Spinach and Feta Fatayer might remind some of you of a Greek Spanakopita recipe or perhaps a flavorful Indian Samosa, but it’s got its own unique charm.
Healthful Indulgence
The Spinach and Feta Fatayer strikes a beautiful balance between indulgence and health. Using fresh spinach and feta cheese, it delivers a dose of leafy greens, rich in iron and calcium, alongside the tangy kick and creamy texture of the feta. It’s comfort food that you can feel good about! Not to mention the flavors are just incredible. Onion, garlic, a hint of cayenne pepper, and a good squeeze of lemon juice all come together to make each bite a flavorful explosion. It ticks all the boxes of what a hearty, wholesome and tasty meal should be.
My inspiration for this recipe came from Maureen Abood, a renowned chef famous for her Middle Eastern recipes. Her love for traditional Lebanese cuisine touched my heart and inspired me to delve deeper into other Middle Eastern culinary delights. And that’s how I came across the Spinach and Feta Fatayer – a recipe that now holds a special place in my recipe box.
What I love about this recipe is its versatility. It makes an excellent appetizer, snack, and even as a side dish. Pair it with a fresh salad, aromatic couscous, or even a hearty stew. Or simply enjoy it solo with a glass of your favorite Californian wine.
Here’s to good food that brings people and cultures together, from my kitchen to yours. Enjoy the journey with this delicious Spinach and Feta Fatayer! Bon Appétit!
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 lbs of fresh spinach, cleaned and chopped
- 1.5 cups of feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 3 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (1/4 oz) of active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 cup of warm water (110-115 degrees F)
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt for the dough
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 1 egg, beaten for egg wash
- White sesame seeds for topping (optional)
Method
Step One
Start by preparing the dough. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, sugar, and salt. Pour in the warm water and vegetable oil. Stir everything together until a dough starts to form.
Step Two
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step Three
While the dough is rising, you can prepare the spinach and feta filling. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and sauté until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Step Four
Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and sauté until it has wilted and reduced in size. Season the spinach with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir in the lemon juice and remove the skillet from the heat. Let the spinach cool slightly, then mix in the crumbled feta cheese.
Step Five
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. Roll out each ball into a circle and place a spoonful of the spinach and feta filling in the center.
Step Six
Fold the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape, and pinch the edges to seal. Place the fatayer on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each one with the beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds, if desired.
Step Seven
Bake the fatayer in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Spinach and Feta Fatayer!
