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Cheese Fatayer Recipe

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3.9 from 3 reviews

  • Author: Eliza
  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Cheese Fatayer is a delicious Middle Eastern savory pastry filled with a flavorful blend of feta cheese, parsley, and mint, wrapped in a soft, homemade dough. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, these baked pastries boast a tender texture and a rich cheesy taste, ideal for gatherings or a cozy meal.

Ingredients

Dough Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 tablespoon yeast
  • 1/2 tablespoon sugar
  • 3 tablespoons dry milk
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 cup warm water

Filling Ingredients

  • 1 cup feta cheese
  • 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons dry or fresh mint
  • 1 egg

Instructions

  1. Make the dough: In a large bowl or mixer bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, yeast, and dry milk. Mix thoroughly to blend all the dry ingredients uniformly.
  2. Add wet ingredients and knead: Add the olive oil to the dry mixture and mix. Then gradually add warm water while mixing. Knead the dough by hand for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and elastic.
  3. Let dough rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and leave it to rise in a warm place for 45 minutes to 1 hour until it doubles in size.
  4. Prepare the filling: While the dough is rising, mix the crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, chopped mint, and egg in a bowl until well combined to make the filling.
  5. Divide and roll dough: After the dough has risen, divide it in half. Roll out the first half into a rectangular shape on a floured surface.
  6. Add filling and roll: Spread half of the cheese filling evenly over the rolled dough rectangle, then roll it up tightly to form a log.
  7. Cut and shape: Slice the log into pieces approximately 1.5 to 2 inches long (or adjust to desired size). Brush each piece with olive oil.
  8. Create indentation: Using a wooden stick, make a shallow indentation down the center of each piece to help the pastry open slightly while baking.
  9. Bake: Place the pieces on a baking tray and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  10. Cool and serve: Allow the cheese fatayer to cool slightly after baking before serving and enjoy their warm, cheesy delicacy.

Notes

  • Ensure the water added to the dough is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
  • You can substitute feta cheese with another crumbly cheese like ricotta salata or a mild goat cheese for variation.
  • Chilling the dough for a short time before rolling can help in easier handling and shaping if dough is too sticky.
  • Use fresh herbs for a brighter flavor or dried herbs if fresh are not available, adjusting quantities as dried herbs are more concentrated.
  • Brush with olive oil instead of butter for a healthier option and to help achieve a golden crust.
  • These pastries freeze well; reheat in the oven to restore crispness.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Find it online: https://recipekind.com/cheese-fatayer-recipe/