Fatayer(Meat Pie)
Fatayer are savory Middle Eastern meat pies with spiced ground meat, nuts, and tender dough, perfect for snacks or meals, flavorful and satisfying.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ground meat, chopped onion, yogurt, sautéed pine nuts, salt, pepper, and all-spice in a bowl.
- Place the meat mixture on dough patties and shape into triangles.
- Arrange the shaped pies on an oiled baking sheet.
- Bake in a moderate oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes until bottoms are lightly browned.
- Broil for 5 minutes to brown the tops, if needed.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding spices like cumin or coriander to the meat mixture. If you don’t have pine nuts, chopped walnuts or almonds can be a great substitute. Make sure to sauté them lightly in butter to enhance their flavor. When shaping the pies, ensure they are sealed well to prevent leaking during baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Fatayer warm with a side of tzatziki or garlic yogurt sauce for dipping. They pair beautifully with a fresh salad, such as a Mediterranean recipes salad, or roasted vegetables. For a complete meal, consider serving them alongside dishes like Armenian Lamb Stew or Rotini Antipasta Salad.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Fatayer can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. For a crispier exterior, you can briefly broil them for a minute before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fatayer(Meat Pie) contains roughly 374 calories, with 23g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 604mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze Fatayer before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the shaped but unbaked Fatayer. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to an airtight container once solid. They can be baked directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I use instead of ground lamb?
You can substitute ground beef or turkey for a lighter option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, consider using a mix of sautéed mushrooms and lentils, seasoned to your taste, for a hearty filling.
How do I know when the Fatayer are done?
The Fatayer are done when the bottoms are lightly browned, and the tops are golden. If you prefer a crispier finish, broil them for a few minutes at the end of baking. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).