Sfiha (Middle Eastern Meat Pies)

Delight in the irresistible flavors of Sfiha, also known as Middle Eastern Meat Pies, a beloved dish that combines tender, spiced ground beef with a fluffy, golden dough. Perfectly seasoned with a medley of sumac, allspice, and fresh lemon juice, the filling is bright, aromatic, and slightly tangy, while optional pine nuts add a satisfying crunch. These hand-folded pies, traditionally shaped into triangles with exposed centers, are simple to assemble and bake to perfection in under 30 minutes. Whether served as a savory appetizer, snack, or centerpiece for a mezze spread, sfiha deliver a vibrant taste of Middle Eastern cuisine right to your table. Easy to make and packed with authentic flavor, this recipe is a must-try for culinary enthusiasts and adventurous eaters alike.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:90 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:115 mins

Servings: 24

Ingredients

• 500 g all-purpose flour
• 250 ml warm water
• 2 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 60 ml olive oil
• 500 g ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium tomato, diced
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tsp sumac
• 1 tsp allspice
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 50 g pine nuts (optional)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.

Step 2

Add the all-purpose flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough begins to form.

Step 3

Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 4

Place the dough back in the bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

Step 5

Meanwhile, prepare the filling by combining the ground beef, finely chopped onion, diced tomato, lemon juice, sumac, allspice, black pepper, and salt in a large bowl. Mix until well combined.

Step 6

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

Step 7

Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles and divide it into 24 equal parts.

Step 8

Roll each piece of dough into a small disc about 10 cm (4 inches) in diameter.

Step 9

Place about 1 tablespoon of the meat mixture in the center of each disc, then fold the edges inwards, leaving the center exposed. Pinch the corners to form a three-sided shape (like a triangle).

Step 10

If desired, sprinkle some pine nuts on top of the meat filling.

Step 11

Place the assembled sfiha on the prepared baking tray.

Step 12

Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and the meat is cooked through.

Step 13

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Step 14

Enjoy your homemade sfiha as a tasty snack or appetizer!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1651.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3894.0

Total Fat 185.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 47.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.4g
Cholesterol 354.0mg	0%
Sodium 3898.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 414.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.9g	0%
Total Sugars 15.7g
Protein 139.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 174.5mg	0%
Iron 37.5mg	0%
Potassium 2698.2mg	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: 43.0%

Protein: 14.3%

Carbs: 42.7%