White Cheese Pastries (Fatayer Jebneh)
Delightful Middle Eastern pastries filled with creamy feta cheese and wrapped in soft, golden dough.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
Dough
- 4 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Warm water
- 1 large Egg
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Active dry yeast mixed with warm water and sugar
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- a pinch Salt
- to taste Sesame seeds optional
Filling
- 1.5 cups Feta cheese or any other salty cheese
- 0.25 cup Chopped fresh parsley or substitute with nigella seeds or black cumin
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Dough - In a large mixing bowl, combine the active dry yeast with a little warm water and sugar, allowing it to activate for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. In another bowl, mix the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the frothy yeast mixture, warm water, egg, and olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Step 2: Knead the Dough - Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, covering it with a clean cloth. Let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Step 3: Make the Filling - While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, crumble the feta cheese and mix in the chopped parsley (or nigella seeds if you prefer). Combine until well-mixed and set aside.
- Step 4: Shape the Pastries - Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into equal pieces, approximately the size of a golf ball. Roll each piece into a circle about 5 inches in diameter. Place a tablespoon of the cheese filling in the center of each circle. Carefully fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, pinching the edges to seal.
- Step 5: Apply an Egg Wash and Optional Topping - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Beat the remaining egg and brush it over the surfaces of the pastries. Optionally, sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
- Step 6: Bake the Pastries - Place the filled pastries on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
For a richer flavor, consider using a mixture of cheeses such as mozzarella and feta. Ensure that the water used for activating the yeast is not too hot, as it can kill the yeast.