Fatayer Bi Jibneh – Middle Eastern Cheese Pie
Discover the flavors of the Middle East with this traditional recipe for Fatayer Bi Jibneh, a delectable Middle Eastern cheese pie. This recipe brings together freshly yeasted bread and a filling of homemade cheese, herbs, and spices to create a mouthwatering appetizer. Paired with a mezze platter, this dish is a perfect choice for any gathering or a delightful snack.
Recipe Information
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Course: Appetizer
- Diet: Vegetarian
- Prep Time: 160 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 12–15 pies
Ingredients
For Homemade Cheese
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Milk | 3 liters |
| Lemon juice | 3 tablespoons |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
For Jibneh Filling
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Feta cheese | 1/4 cup, crumbled |
| Kalonji (Nigella seeds) | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper corns | 1 teaspoon, coarsely pounded |
| Spring onions | 2 stalks, finely chopped |
| Parsley leaves | 1/4 cup, finely chopped |
| Mint leaves | 3 sprigs, finely chopped |
| Salt | To taste |
For the Dough
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour (Maida) | 1 1/2 cups |
| Active dry yeast | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Curd (Yogurt) | 2 tablespoons |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Lukewarm water | As required |
For Cream Wash
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh cream | 1/4 cup, whisked |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~180 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | ~20g |
| Protein | ~6g |
| Fat | ~8g |
| Fiber | ~1g |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Homemade Cheese
- Pour 3 liters of milk into a heavy-bottomed pan and bring it to a boil over high heat.
- As the milk begins to boil, add the lemon juice and stir gently. The milk will curdle, separating into cheese (chenna) and whey.
- Turn off the heat and let the mixture rest for 5 minutes.
- Strain the cheese through a muslin cloth or fine sieve to remove the whey completely.
- Once drained, crumble the cheese and set it aside for the filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients—flour, salt, yeast, and sugar.
- Add the olive oil and enough lukewarm water to form a soft dough.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and pliable. If the dough is sticky, add a little more flour.
- Cover the dough with a clean kitchen cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 2 hours or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Prepare the Jibneh Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the crumbled homemade cheese, feta cheese, kalonji seeds, black pepper, spring onions, parsley, mint leaves, and salt.
- Mix well to create a flavorful cheese filling. Set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Fatayer Bi Jibneh
- Preheat the oven to 240°C (465°F) for 15 minutes. Prepare a baking sheet by greasing it with oil and dusting it with flour.
- Divide the dough into 12–15 small portions and roll each piece into a ball.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out each dough ball into an oval shape.
- Place a heaping tablespoon of the cheese filling in the center, leaving a 1 cm border. Fold the long sides of the dough over the filling, pinching the ends tightly to create a leaf-shaped pie.
Step 5: Bake the Fatayer
- Arrange the prepared pies on the baking sheet. Brush the edges of the dough with the whisked cream.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
Pair the Fatayer Bi Jibneh with a Middle Eastern mezze platter featuring Tabbouleh, Hummus, Tzatziki, and Baba Ganoush for a complete, flavorful meal. These cheese pies also make an excellent standalone snack.
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Middle Eastern delicacy, and let the buttery crust and aromatic filling take you on a culinary journey!
