Recipes Featured 1

A traditional Palestinian favorite-flaky dough filled with a tangy, savory spinach mixture enhanced by sumac and za’atar.

A traditional Palestinian favorite-flaky dough filled with a tangy, savory spinach mixture enhanced by sumac and za'atar.

Servings: 80 to 100 pies
Preparation Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

Dough Ingredients:

• 12 cups all-purpose  flour
  
• 2 tbsp salt
  
• 1 tbsp yeast
  
• 1 tbsp sugar
  
• 5~6 cups warm water (add one more cup and adjust as needed)
  
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for kneading)

Spinach Filling Ingredients

• 2 lbs, fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
  
• 2 large onions, finely chopped
  
• 3/4 cup sumac
  
• 1/4 cup olive oil
  
• 1 cup dried za'atar (soaked 20 minutes, drained)
  
• 1 cup lemon juice (approximately 4 lemons)
  
• 1 tbsp salt (adjust to taste)
  
• Optional: 1 tbsp, crushed red pepper

Instructions

Making the Dough:

1. In a cup, mix 1/2 warm water with yeast and sugar Let it sit for 10 minutes or until it becomes frothy.
   
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and 5 cups of warm water.
   
3. Begin kneading, adding water as needed, until a smooth, firm dough forms.
   
4. Rub hands with olive oil and knead for 30 minutes until soft, elastic, and until it forms a soft ball.
   
5. Or use a standard mixer to cut kneading time in half.
   
6. Cover the dough with saran wrap first, then cover with a blanket to retain heat. Let it rest overnight or at least six hours.
   
7. Divide into 100 gold ball-sized pieces Cover and let it rest for 10~15 minutes.

Making the Spinach Filling:

1. Heat 2 tbsp. of olive in a large pan. Sauté onions until soft and slightly caramelized.
   
2. Add the spinach, turn off the heat, and gently mix until the spinach is just slightly wilted.
   
3. Add sumac za'atar, lemon juice, salt, olive oil, and red pepper (if adding). Mix well and adjust  seasoning.

Assembling & Baking Spinach Pies:

1. Preheat oven to 550°F (290°C). Grease baking tray with 1 tbsp. of olive oil.
   
2. Roll each dough ball into a thin circle. Place 1 tbsp. of filling in the center.
   
3. Fold Into Triangle:
   -Fold right side over
   -Then left side
   -Fold up the bottom and pinch all seams closed
   
4. Place seam-side down on tray.
   
5. Bake the Pies:
   -Place on the bottom rack in the oven, and bake for approximately 5~7 minutes, or until the bottom turns golden brown.
   -Then place them on the top track in the oven, and bake for an additional 5~7 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
6. Serve:
   -Serve warm or at room temperature with a side of yogurt or fresh salad.
   -These spinach pies are ideal as an appetizer, snack, or part of a mezze spread.