Lebanese Spinach Pies

These Lebanese Spinach Pies are a perfect blend of flaky dough and savory spinach filling, seasoned with lemon, sumac, and parsley. This Mediterranean recipe is an easy-to-make, delicious snack or appetizer that’s packed with healthy ingredients like spinach, olive oil, and fresh herbs. The homemade dough and flavorful filling make it a great addition to any meal or party spread. These pies are ideal for anyone looking for a vegetarian option or a simple, flavorful dish with a Mediterranean twist.

Ingredients:

Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ¼ cups warm water
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• ¼ cup olive oil

Spinach Filling:

• 16 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• ¼ cup parsley, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon sumac
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

Make the Dough:

1. In a bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir until dissolved.
2. Add the flour and salt, mixing until well combined.
3. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead until it becomes sticky, about 5 minutes.
4. Add olive oil and continue kneading until the dough is soft, smooth, and slightly sticky, without leaving any dough on your fingers.
5. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it proof for about 90 minutes or until it has doubled in size.
6. After proofing, divide the dough into 30 pieces and reshape each into round balls. Let them rest in an oiled tray, covered, for about 30 minutes or until they double in size.

Make the Filling:

1. In a large bowl, combine the thawed spinach, parsley, onions, olive oil, lemon juice, sumac, and salt.
2. Stir until well mixed. Set aside in the fridge until ready to use.

Assemble & Bake:

1. Preheat your oven to 425ºF and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Divide the dough into two trays with 15 dough balls each, arranged in 3 rows of 5.
3. Using your hands, flatten each dough ball while maintaining a circular shape.
4. Place about 2 tablespoons of the spinach mixture into the center of each dough circle.
5. Fold the dough over the filling, pinching the edges to seal. Fold the remaining side up and pinch it together with the other sides to form a triangle shape.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.

Serve warm, either on their own or with a side of plain whole milk yogurt for dipping.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lebanese Spinach Pies are a delicious combination of crispy dough and savory spinach filling, flavored with tangy lemon and aromatic sumac. This recipe is a perfect snack, appetizer, or light meal, offering a satisfying blend of textures and flavors. These pies are easy to make and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser for anyone who loves Mediterranean cuisine.

Tips

• Dough texture: If your dough feels too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it reaches the right consistency. It should be slightly sticky but not overly wet.
• Proofing the dough: Make sure to allow the dough plenty of time to rise. This helps achieve a fluffy, tender texture for the pies.
• Freezing leftovers: These pies freeze well! After baking, allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the freezer.

Variations and Substitutions

• Add cheese: For a cheesy twist, you can add feta or mozzarella to the spinach filling.
• Other greens: You can use other leafy greens like Swiss chard or kale instead of spinach for a different flavor profile.
• Spices: Try adding other spices like cumin or coriander to the filling for extra warmth.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen? Yes, fresh spinach can be used, but make sure to sauté it first to release the moisture before adding it to the filling.
• How do I know when the pies are done? The pies should be golden brown on top and crispy on the edges.

Serving

Lebanese Spinach Pies are great served warm as a standalone dish or with a side of yogurt for dipping. They also make an excellent addition to a mezze platter, alongside hummus, baba ganoush, or tabbouleh.

Suggestions

• For a meal: Pair with a fresh salad or a cup of soup for a complete meal.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage. Reheat in the oven to maintain their crispiness.