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Lebanese Cheese Pastry 2

Serves 4 to 6 Pastry vegetarian, Breads & Pastry

Lebanese Cheese Pastry 2

Lebanese Cheese Pastry 2 is a cherished staple of home kitchens, a dish that embodies the everyday warmth of Lebanese family meals. It isn't bound to a specific occasion but rather finds its place on tables throughout the week, an ever-welcome presence at any casual gathering. The emphasis here is on simplicity and generosity—salt judged by hand, butter applied with a liberal touch, and a willingness to share.

The result is a pastry that is both rich and comforting, with a flaky crust that gives way to the creamy, savory filling of cheese. The egg adds a subtle bind, ensuring a delightful bite each time. It's a dish that invites you to savor the straightforward pleasures of well-loved ingredients, crafted with care and shared with those around you.

Ingredients

  • 300 gflour
  • 200 gcheese
  • 100 gbutter
  • 1egg

Method

  1. Begin by taking 100 g of butter out of the refrigerator and allowing it to soften at room temperature. This will make it easier to incorporate into the dough. At the same time, take one egg out of the refrigerator to bring it to room temperature, which helps it blend smoothly with other ingredients.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 300 g of flour with the softened butter. Use your fingers to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. This step ensures the butter is evenly distributed, which will result in a flaky pastry.
  3. Add the room temperature egg to the flour and butter mixture. Use a wooden spoon to mix until a dough begins to form. If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of cold water at a time until it comes together into a smooth ball. Knead gently for a minute to ensure everything is well combined.
  4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out and preventing it from shrinking during baking.
  5. While the dough is resting, grate 200 g of cheese. Choose a cheese that melts well, such as Akkawi or a mild feta. This will be the filling for your pastry, providing a rich and savory flavor.
  6. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Once the dough has rested, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 3 mm. Cut the dough into circles using a pastry cutter or a glass, approximately 8 cm in diameter.
  7. Place a small spoonful of grated cheese in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the cheese to form a semi-circle, pressing the edges firmly with a fork to seal. This ensures the cheese stays inside during baking.
  8. Arrange the pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling slightly at the edges.
  9. Remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm, allowing the cheese to be soft and gooey, which is the perfect texture for enjoying this Lebanese Cheese Pastry.
Cover of Authentic Lebanese Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Lebanese Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Lebanese Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Lebanese volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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