Welcome to Zynahz, where every recipe tells a story and every dish brings families closer. Today, we’re sharing the delight of Sfiha – a Middle Eastern meat pie that will evoke the warm, aromatic essence of a family gathering. These golden brown flatbreads, topped with perfectly spiced ground meat and garnished with fresh parsley, are not just a treat for the taste buds but a comforting reminder of home and heritage. Simple yet flavorful, this recipe is a wonderful way to explore new culinary traditions while bonding with loved ones.

Recipe Summary

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 6-8

Skill Level: Intermediate

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon instant yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2/3 cup warm water
  • 250 grams ground beef or lamb
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add the olive oil and warm water, mixing until a dough forms. Knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rest in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  2. While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground meat until browned. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until the onions are soft and translucent.
  3. Mix in the ground cinnamon, allspice, black pepper, and cumin. Stir well to combine and cook for another 2 minutes. Season with salt to taste.
  4. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the toasted pine nuts. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
  5. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  6. After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into small balls (about 12 pieces). Roll each ball into a thin circle on a floured surface.
  7. Place a spoonful of the meat mixture in the center of each circle and spread it out, leaving a small border around the edges. Carefully pinch the edges to create a slight rise to contain the filling.
  8. Place pies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and crispy.
  9. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm with a side of olives and pickles.

Helpful Tips

  • If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pizza dough.
  • Add a bit of yogurt to the dough to create a softer crust.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and lentils.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover Sfiha in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have pine nuts, chopped walnuts or almonds can be used as a substitute.

Pairings

Sfiha pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad like Tabouleh or Fattoush. For drinks, a glass of mint tea or a refreshing yogurt drink (Ayran) complements these meat pies beautifully.

At Zynahz, our mission is to bring joy and creativity into your kitchen. We hope you’ll find as much pleasure in making and sharing this Sfiha recipe as we do. We would love to see your results and hear your feedback, so please share your creations with us. Spread the love by sharing this recipe with friends and family! For more delicious recipes and inspiration, make sure to explore our site, follow us on social media, and sign up for our newsletter. Happy cooking!

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Last Update: January 1, 2025