Vegetarian Fataya

Savor the irresistible flavors of Vegetarian Fataya, a delightful West African-inspired snack that's perfect for any occasion. These golden, crispy pastries are filled with a vibrant vegetable medley of spinach, grated carrot, green peas, and tender potatoes, all seasoned with aromatic curry and cumin for a bold, spiced kick. The dough, made from scratch with a touch of olive oil, is light, fluffy, and easy to work with, enveloping the savory filling in a perfectly flaky shell. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, party snack, or a grab-and-go option, these deep-fried hand pies deliver a satisfying crunch in every bite. Ideal for vegetarians and food lovers alike, this recipe is a flavorful way to explore global cuisine right from your own kitchen!

Nutriscore Rating: 55/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 250 grams all-purpose flour
• 1.5 teaspoons dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 120 milliliters warm water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium carrot, grated
• 100 grams spinach, chopped
• 50 grams green peas, frozen
• 1 medium potato, boiled and cubed
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 0.5 teaspoon cumin powder
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 500 milliliters vegetable oil, for frying
• 0 salt to taste

Directions

Step 1

In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.

Step 2

In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons of olive oil, kneading into a smooth and elastic dough. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 1 hour until doubled in size.

Step 3

Meanwhile, prepare the filling by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.

Step 4

Stir in the grated carrot, chopped spinach, and green peas. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft.

Step 5

Add the boiled potato cubes, curry powder, cumin powder, black pepper, and salt to taste. Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 6

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air and divide it into 8 equal portions.

Step 7

Roll each portion into a small ball and flatten with a rolling pin into a circle about 5-6 inches in diameter.

Step 8

Place a generous tablespoon of vegetable filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to form a semi-circle, sealing the edges with a fork or by pinching them together firmly.

Step 9

Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Carefully fry the fataya in batches until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Step 10

Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1413.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5898.5

Total Fat 531.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 74.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3673.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 260.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.1g	0%
Total Sugars 25.1g
Protein 38.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 222.6mg	0%
Iron 19.6mg	0%
Potassium 1884.7mg	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: 80.0%

Protein: 2.6%

Carbs: 17.4%