Spinach and Cheese Fatayer (Lebanese Spinach Pies)

These delicious vegetarian Spinach and Feta Fatayer may look like a recent recipe I shared called Sambousek, but they're quite different! Fatayer are baked instead of fried, making them a healthy snack option. They are stuffed with spinach, Feta cheese, and plenty of herbs and spices. Include them in your Super Bowl spread as a tasty vegetarian option, or enjoy them any day of the year!

Why This Recipe works

What I love about these Spinach and Cheese Fatayer is how simple they are to prepare. They can be prepared ahead of time and baked when ready to serve.

The filling contains fresh spinach, and lots of other fresh herbs and spices which elevates this vegetarian Fatayer recipe to a whole new level.

I included Feta cheese in this Fatayer recipe, which adds creaminess to the filling, while the crushed red pepper adds a little extra zip.

I also reduced the amount of lemon juice and oil that is usually found in most Fatayer recipes. This not only keeps the mix from being soggy, but reducing the amount of oil makes them healthier and lower in calories as well.

The combination of lemon juice and sumac powder gives these Spinach Fatayer just the right amount of tang, making the extra lemon juice unnecessary.

Finally, I love that these Spinach Fatayer are baked instead of fried, which makes them even a healthier snacking option.

Pine nuts can be added to the Fatayer filling to give them a nutty flavor and a little crunch. I recommend adding no more than ¼ of a cup.

What Goes Into This Recipe

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Recipe Ingredient Notes

• Cheese — Besides Feta cheese, try adding a cup of mozzarella cheese. Although mozzarella cheese is not traditionally included, it works beautifully in this recipe. Another great option is Akawi cheese but might be harder to come by.
• Sumac — Sumac powder is a key ingredient and should not be left out, I use it in so many of my recipes, so you'll find many ways to use it! If you don't have access to Middle Eastern markets in your area, you can purchase Sumac on Amazon.
• Za'atar — Za'atar isn't usually included in the Fatayer filling, but I love how it enhances the flavor of the filling. You can make your own or purchase it on Amazon.
• Crushed Red Pepper — Crushed red pepper is totally optional but I love the little kick it adds to the Fatayer. I'll let you decide if you want to add crushed red pepper or leave it out.

How to Make This Recipe

Dough

1. Stir yeast and sugar into warm water (105 to 115 degrees F.) and set aside for 5 to 10 minutes until the yeast activates and the water becomes foamy.

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2. Pour the yeast liquid into a mixer bowl and add salt, olive oil, and enough flour for the dough to come together. This should take 2 to 2¼ cups of flour. 

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3. Replace the paddle attachment with a dough hook and mix the dough for a few minutes, until the dough is soft and pliable.

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4. Oil a clean bowl and roll the dough to cover with oil then cover with a dish towel and let it rest for 45 minutes.

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Filling

1. Chop spinach and add to a bowl then sprinkle with salt and lemon juice. Stir to combine then microwave for 1 to 1½ minutes until wilted. Drain spinach to remove excess liquid. Gently squeeze out the remaining liquid with the back of a spoon. 

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2. Mix the cooled spinach with the scallions, mint, fresh dill, and the remaining filling ingredients and stir to combine.

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Fatayer Assembly

1. Punch the dough down and divide into four portions. 

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2. On a floured surface, roll out one portion of dough as thin as possible, while keeping the other portions covered. Use a cup or lid that's approximately 4" in diameter to cut a round discs. Add the excess dough to the covered dough.

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 3. Fill the disc with one heaping tablespoon of the Fatayer spinach filling. Crimp the edges together to form a triangle (see photos). Continue until all the dough and filling is used up.

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Note: To keep the Fatayer from opening, poke a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape.

Baking

Preheat the oven to 400-degrees F and bake the Fatayer on a light baking sheet for 15 to 20 minutes, or until browned. 

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Recipe FAQs and Expert Tips

• To reheat Fatayer, wrap in paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds each.
• You can also reheat Fatayer in an air fryer. Place them in a single layer and air fry at 390 degrees F. for approximately 3 to 5 minutes.
• To freeze Fatayer, place them on a large tray and stick the tray in the freezer for a few hours. Remove frozen Fatayer and store in a ziplock bag.
• To cook frozen Fatayer, place them on a tray and bake in a 350-degree F oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown.
• If a light-colored sheet is unavailable, use a silicone mat or parchment paper to keep the bottoms of the Fatayer from burning.
• If the Fatayer sit too long without being cooked, they will puff up and lose their seams. This can cause them to open as they're baking. One way to avoid this problem is to pinch and reshape the seams just before baking.

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