Lebanese Cheese Pastry

Ingredients

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

Method

1. Begin by taking the butter (100 g) out of the refrigerator and allowing it to soften at room temperature. This will make it easier to incorporate into the flour, ensuring a smooth dough. At the same time, take the egg out of the fridge so it reaches room temperature, which will help it mix evenly into the dough.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour (300 g) with the softened butter. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. This technique ensures that the butter is evenly distributed, which will lead to a tender and flaky pastry.
3. Add the room-temperature egg to the flour and butter mixture. Mix gently with your hands or a wooden spoon until the dough comes together. If the dough feels too dry, you can add a teaspoon of water at a time until it holds together without crumbling.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently for about 2 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can make the pastry tough. Once kneaded, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to relax the gluten.
5. While the dough is resting, grate the cheese (200 g) and set it aside. You can use a mix of cheeses if desired, but traditional Lebanese cheese such as Akkawi or a mild feta works well. This will be the filling for your pastry, providing a rich and savory flavor.
6. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to a thickness of about 3 mm. Cut the dough into circles using a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass, approximately 8 cm in diameter.
7. Place a small amount of the 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. This color indicates that the pastry is cooked through and the cheese is perfectly melted.
9. Remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm, allowing the cheese to remain gooey and the pastry crisp. This is the ideal temperature for enjoying the full flavor and texture of the Lebanese Cheese Pastry.