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Lebanese Layered Pie 2

Serves 4 to 6 Pastry vegetarian, Breads & Pastry

Lebanese Layered Pie 2

Lebanese Layered Pie 2 is a staple of home-cooked meals across Lebanon, where it finds its place at family tables during casual gatherings and everyday dinners. This version captures the essence of how it's lovingly prepared in Lebanese households, where the salt is pinched by hand and butter is not held back, ensuring a rich and hearty dish that invites sharing.

Each bite of this pie delivers a delightful contrast between the flaky, buttery layers of pastry and the creamy, savory filling of cheese and herbs. The herbs lend a fresh aroma, cutting through the richness and offering a taste of the Lebanese countryside. Serve it warm, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a comforting and satisfying dish that speaks of home.

Ingredients

  • 10pastry sheets
  • 200 gcheese
  • 100 gbutter
  • herbs — chopped

Method

  1. Begin by taking 100 g of butter out of the refrigerator and allowing it to come to room temperature. This will make it easier to spread evenly on the pastry sheets later. Meanwhile, prepare 200 g of cheese by grating or crumbling it, depending on the type you are using. Set aside.
  2. Melt the room temperature butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir occasionally until it becomes a smooth liquid, ensuring it does not brown. This melted butter will be used to brush the pastry sheets, helping them to crisp up beautifully.
  3. Lay out one pastry sheet on a clean, flat surface. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the entire surface with the melted butter. Repeat this process, layering and buttering each of the 10 pastry sheets. This layering will create a flaky texture once baked.
  4. Once all the pastry sheets are layered and buttered, evenly distribute the grated or crumbled cheese over the top layer. Sprinkle with your choice of herbs, such as thyme or oregano, to add a fragrant aroma and additional flavor.
  5. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Carefully transfer the layered pastry onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Ensure the edges are neatly tucked in to prevent the cheese from spilling out during baking.
  6. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake until the pastry is golden brown and crisp, and the cheese is melted and bubbling. This should take about 15-20 minutes, but watch for the pastry to achieve a deep golden color as your cue for doneness.
  7. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to cut. Serve warm, allowing the flavors to meld together, and enjoy the pie with family and friends as part of a shared meal.
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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