Low Sodium Fataya

Savor the delicious flavors of West Africa with this healthier take on Fataya, a traditional stuffed pastry, now reimagined as "Low Sodium Fataya." Crafted with a flaky, olive oil-based dough and a vibrant filling of lean ground meat, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices like cumin, smoked paprika, and turmeric, this version skips the added salt without compromising on taste. A splash of lemon juice and fresh parsley bring a zesty freshness to the savory filling, while no-salt-added tomato paste and low-sodium chicken broth round out the robust flavor profile. Perfectly golden and crisp after a quick fry, these hand-held delights are ideal as appetizers, snacks, or even light meals. With only 20 minutes of cooking time and 12 servings to enjoy, this recipe provides a heart-healthy twist on a beloved classic.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:40 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.25 cup olive oil
• 0.75 cup warm water
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.5 pound lean ground beef or turkey
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium carrot, grated
• 0.5 medium red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 large garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.25 cup low sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons no salt added tomato paste
• 0.25 cup olive oil (for frying)

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine the flour and 1/4 cup of olive oil. Gradually add warm water while stirring with a spatula until the dough begins to come together.

Step 2

Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rest while preparing the filling.

Step 3

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the remaining olive oil. Sauté the onions, carrots, and bell pepper for about 5 minutes until softened.

Step 4

Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Then, add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.

Step 5

Stir in the tomato paste, low sodium chicken broth, and all spices including cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.

Step 6

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh parsley and lemon juice. Allow the filling to cool for a few minutes.

Step 7

Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a thin sheet. Using a cutter or a glass, cut out circles approximately 3-4 inches in diameter.

Step 8

Place about 1 tablespoon of the filling into the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape and seal the edges by pressing with a fork.

Step 9

Heat the olive oil for frying in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the fatayas in batches, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.

Step 10

Drain the fried fatayas on paper towels to remove excess oil before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1219.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2862.0

Total Fat 158.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 33.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.3g
Cholesterol 181.4mg	0%
Sodium 396.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 267.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.6g	0%
Total Sugars 18.0g
Protein 96.9g	0%

Vitamin D 15.9IU	0%
Calcium 225.7mg	0%
Iron 25.8mg	0%
Potassium 2215.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.5%

Protein: 13.4%

Carbs: 37.1%