🟢 Manakish with Thyme and Cheese
🟢 Definition
Manakish is a classic flatbread topped with a fragrant thyme blend or creamy cheese.
A staple breakfast or light meal across Arabic and Mediterranean tables.
🟢 Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp dry yeast
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 cup mixed with ½ cup olive oil (for thyme topping)
- 1 cup Akkawi or feta cheese (for cheese topping)
🟢 Preparation Steps
In a bowl, combine yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let sit for 10 minutes.
Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Knead until smooth.
Let dough rise for 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Divide the dough into small discs and flatten each one.
Spread mixture or cheese on top.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden.
🟢 Health Benefits
Rich in healthy fats from olive oil.
It provides fiber and antioxidants.
Cheese adds protein and calcium.
🟢 Pros & Cons
🟢 Pros:
Simple, light, and versatile.
Packed with nutrients.
🟢 Cons:
High sodium if consumed in large quantities.
Refined flour may not be suitable for all diets.
🟢 Sfiha (Arabic Meat Pies)
🟢 Definition
Sfiha are open-faced meat pies made with spiced minced lamb or beef, a staple in Levantine cuisine.
🟢 Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp dry yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup warm water
- 500g ground lamb or beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp pine nuts
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp allspice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
🟢 Preparation Steps
Prepare the dough as in Manakish and let rise.
In a pan, cook the ground meat with onion until it is brown.
Add spices, pine nuts, salt, and lemon juice. Let cool.
Roll the dough into small circles and place the meat filling on top of each one.
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes.
🟢 Health Benefits
High protein from meat.
Rich in iron and essential minerals.
Healthy fats from pine nuts.
🟢 Pros & Cons
🟢 Pros:
High in protein and iron.
Rich traditional flavor.
🟢 Cons:
It can be high in fat.
It may not suit vegetarian diets.
🟢 Spinach Fatayer
🟢 Definition
Fat layers are triangular pastries filled with seasoned spinach, offering a bright, citrusy flavor.
🟢 Ingredients
- 3 cups flour
- 1 tbsp yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup warm water
- 500g fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp sumac
- Salt and pepper
🟢 Preparation Steps
Prepare dough and allow it to rise.
Blanch and drain spinach.
Mix spinach with onion, lemon juice, sumac, salt, and pepper.
Roll the dough into circles, fill them with spinach, and fold into triangles.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.
🟢 Health Benefits
High in fiber and iron.
Rich in vitamin K and antioxidants.
Light and low in fat.
🟢 Pros & Cons
🟢 Pros:
Highly nutritious and vegetarian.
Low in fat and calories.
🟢 Cons:
Best consumed fresh.
Requires fresh greens for optimal taste.
🟢 Akkawi Cheese Pastries
🟢 Definition
Stuffed with mild, creamy Akkawi cheese, these pastries melt beautifully when baked.
🟢 Ingredients
- 3 cups flour
- 1 tbsp yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 cup Akkawi cheese (or mozzarella), crumbled
- 1 egg for brushing
🟢 Preparation Steps
Prepare and rise the dough.
Divide dough into discs.
Fill with cheese and fold into half-moons.
Brush with egg wash.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.
🟢 Health Benefits
Source of protein and calcium.
Good for bone health.
🟢 Pros & Cons
🟢 Pros:
Creamy and satisfying.
High in protein.
🟢 Cons:
High in saturated fat.
Not suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.
🟢 Green Thyme Pastries
🟢 Definition
These pastries feature a filling of fresh green za’atar leaves mixed with olive oil, offering a bright herbal flavor.
🟢 Ingredients
- 3 cups flour
- 1 tbsp yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 cup fresh green thyme (za’atar), chopped
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
🟢 Preparation Steps
Prepare and rise the dough.
Mix chopped thyme with olive oil and sesame seeds.
Roll the dough into circles, fill them, and then fold them in half.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12 to 15 minutes.
🟢 Health Benefits
Rich in antioxidants.
Supports immune health.
Good source of healthy fats.
🟢 Pros & Cons
🟢 Pros:
Anti-inflammatory properties.
Light and flavorful.
🟢 Cons:
Requires very fresh thyme for optimal results.
The delicate filling can dry if overbaked.
🟢 Luxury Arabic Pastries – Full Recipe Guide (Part 1)
🟢 Creamy Chicken Pastries
🟢 Definition
Creamy chicken pastries with tender shredded chicken mixed with cream and herbs. They are ideal for brunch or luxurious appetizers.
🟢 Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- ½ cup cream cheese or béchamel
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt & black pepper
- 1 egg for brushing
- Dough (same as previous recipes)
🟢 Preparation Steps
Mix chicken with cream, herbs, and seasoning.
Roll out the dough, fill it, and fold it into half-moons or parcels.
Brush with egg. Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes.
🟢 Health Benefits
High in protein.
Cream adds energy and richness.
🟢 Pros & Cons
🟢 Pros: Great for kids and packed with protein.
🔴 Cons: Higher in fat from cream.
🟢 Arabic Kebab Pastries
🟢 Definition
These pastries are minced meat, kebab-style, seasoned richly, and baked to perfection.
🟢 Ingredients
- 500g ground lamb or beef
- 1 small onion, grated
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 tsp seven spice blend
- Salt and pepper
- Pastry dough
🟢 Preparation Steps
Mix meat with spices and herbs.
Shape the dough, fill it, and seal the edges.
Bake at 400°F for 12 minutes.
🟢 Health Benefits
Protein-rich.
It contains iron and B vitamins.
🟢 Pros & Cons
🟢 Pros: Hearty, flavorful snack.
🔴 Cons: Can be heavy in fat.
🟢 Smoked Salmon Pastries
🟢 Definition
A fusion of Middle Eastern pastry with western smoked salmon and cream cheese.
🟢 Ingredients
- 200g smoked salmon
- ½ cup cream cheese
- 1 tbsp dill or chives
- Puff pastry or classic dough
🟢 Preparation Steps
Mix salmon with cheese and herbs.
Fill dough squares and seal.
Bake at 375°F until golden.
🟢 Health Benefits
Omega-3 rich.
Protein-packed.
🟢 Pros & Cons
🟢 Pros: Sophisticated and nutritious.
🔴 Cons: Expensive ingredients.
🟢 Potato and Cheese Pastries
🟢 Definition
Comfort food with mashed potatoes and cheese inside soft dough.
🟢 Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed potatoes
- ½ cup shredded cheese
- Salt, pepper
- Optional: green onion or parsley
🟢 Preparation Steps
Mix filling and fill discs of dough.
Seal and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes.
🟢 Health Benefits
Filling and comforting.
Source of carbs and calcium.
🟢 Pros & Cons
🟢 Pros: Crowd-pleaser.
🔴 Cons: It may be high in carbs.
🟢 Date and Honey Pastries
🟢 Definition
Sweet pastry filled with date paste and drizzled with honey.
🟢 Ingredients
- 1 cup date paste
- 1 tbsp butter or oil
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- Honey for drizzle
🟢 Preparation Steps
Sauté date paste with oil and cinnamon.
Fill small discs of dough.
Bake and drizzle with honey.
🟢 Health Benefits
High in fiber and natural sweetness.
Iron-rich.
🟢 Pros & Cons
🟢 Pros: No refined sugar.
🔴 Cons: Still calorie-dense.
🟢 Luxury Arabic Pastries – Full Recipe Guide (Part 2)
🟢 Milk and Date Rolls
🟢 Definition
Soft swirled rolls filled with sweet date paste and milk-infused filling, perfect for morning or evening tea.
🟢 Ingredients
- Dough (basic pastry dough)
- 1 cup date paste
- 2 tbsp condensed milk
- 1 tbsp butter
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- Sesame seeds for topping
🟢 Preparation Steps
Combine date paste, milk, butter, and cinnamon.
Flatten the dough into a long sheet, evenly distribute the filling, and then tightly coil it. Cut it into individual portions.
Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes.
🟢 Health Benefits
Fiber-rich from dates.
Calcium and iron sources.
🟢 Pros & Cons
🟢 Pros: Naturally sweet and satisfying.
🔴 Cons: Sweetened condensed milk adds sugar.
🟢 Musakhan Rolls (Palestinian Chicken Rolls)
🟢 Definition
Flatbread stuffed with sumac-spiced chicken and caramelized onions rolled and baked.
🟢 Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 2 tbsp sumac
- ½ cup olive oil
- Salt & pepper
- Thin flatbread or tortilla wraps
🟢 Preparation Steps
Caramelize onions in olive oil.
Mix chicken, onions, sumac, and seasonings.
Fill and roll flatbread. Bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.
🟢 Health Benefits
Rich in antioxidants (sumac).
High protein content.
🟢Pros & Cons
🟢 Pros: Nutrient-dense and flavorful.
🔴 Cons: Higher fat from olive oil.
🟢 Cheese and Egg Pastries
🟢 Definition
Fluffy pastry pockets filled with creamy scrambled eggs and cheese.
🟢 Ingredients
- 3 eggs
- ½ cup shredded cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped chives
- Salt and pepper
- Dough (basic)
🟢 Preparation Steps
Lightly scramble eggs with cheese and chives.
Fill pastry rounds with egg mixture.
Seal and bake at 375°F for 12 minutes.
🟢 Health Benefits
Rich in protein and calcium.
Great for breakfast.
🟢 Pros & Cons
🟢 Pros: Simple and high-protein.
🔴 Cons: Perishable, best served fresh.
🟢 Muhammara Pastries
🟢 Definition
Syrian-inspired pastries filled with roasted red pepper, walnuts, and pomegranate molasses.
🟢 Ingredients
- 2 large roasted red peppers
- ½ cup walnuts
- 2 tbsp pomegranate molasses
- 1 tbsp breadcrumbs
- 1 garlic clove
- Olive oil
- Salt and chili flakes
🟢 Preparation Steps
Blend filling ingredients into a paste.
Fill dough discs and seal.
Bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes.
🟢 Health Benefits
High in antioxidants and healthy fats.
Anti-inflammatory.
🟢 Pros & Cons
🟢 Pros: Bold, vibrant flavors.
🔴 Cons: Sensitive to storage and freshness.
🟢 Nutella and Mixed Nut Pastries
🟢 Definition
A modern sweet pastry filled with Nutella and crunchy nuts.
🟢 Ingredients
½ cup Nutella
½ cup chopped mixed nuts (hazelnuts, almonds, pistachios)
Puff pastry sheets
🟢 Preparation Steps
Spread Nutella and sprinkle nuts inside the puff pastry.
Roll or fold and seal edges.
Bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes.
🟢 Health Benefits
It contains antioxidants from nuts.
Energy-boosting.
🟢 Pros & Cons
🟢 Pros: An easy and indulgent treat.
🔴 Cons: High in sugar and calories.
🟢 Luxury Arabic Pastries – Full Recipe Guide (Part 3)
🟢 Labneh and Thyme Pastries
🟢 Definition
These pastries feature creamy labneh blended with fresh thyme (za’atar) for a savory and refreshing flavor.
🟢 Ingredients
- Dough (basic pastry dough)
- 1 cup labneh (strained yogurt)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme or za’atar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
🟢 Preparation Steps
Mix labneh, thyme, olive oil, and salt.
Fill the pastry discs with the mixture and fold them.
Bake at 375°F for 12 to 15 minutes.
🟢 Health Benefits
Rich in probiotics.
High in protein and calcium.
🟢 Pros & Cons
🟢 Pros: Light, nutritious, and gut-friendly.
🔴 Cons: Perishable and requires refrigeration.
🟢 Tunisian Brik Pastries
🟢 Definition
Brik pastries are thin, crispy shells filled with egg, tuna, capers, and herbs, fried to golden perfection.
🟢 Ingredients
- 6 Brik or phyllo sheets
- 6 eggs
- 1 can tuna (drained)
- 1 tbsp capers
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- Salt & pepper
- Oil for frying
🟢 Preparation Steps
Place tuna, capers, parsley, and raw egg on each pastry sheet.
Fold into a triangle shape.
Fry in hot oil until golden brown.
🟢 Health Benefits
High in protein and omega-3s.
Nutrient-dense with tuna and egg.
🟢 Pros & Cons
🟢 Pros: Protein-rich and flavorful.
🔴 Cons: Fried, so higher in fat.
🟢 Sausage and Cheddar Pastries
🟢 Definition
Savory pastries filled with juicy sausage and sharp cheddar cheese offer a hearty, comforting snack.
🟢 Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked sausage (crumbled)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Dough (basic pastry dough)
🟢 Preparation Steps
Mix sausage and cheddar.
Fill pastry rounds and seal.
Bake at 375°F for 12 to 15 minutes.
🟢 Health Benefits
High in protein.
Provides calcium from cheese.
🟢 Pros & Cons
🟢 Pros: A hearty and filling snack.
🔴 Cons: High in saturated fat and sodium.
🟢 Pistachio and Honey Pastries
🟢 Definition
Luxurious pastries filled with ground pistachios and sweet floral honey.
🟢 Ingredients
- 1 cup ground pistachios
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tsp orange blossom water (optional)
- Puff pastry sheets
🟢 Preparation Steps
Mix pistachios, honey, and orange blossom water.
Fill pastry sheets and fold them into shapes.
Bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes.
🟢 Health Benefits
High in antioxidants and healthy fats.
Nutrient-dense nuts.
🟢 Pros & Cons
🟢 Pros: Gourmet, antioxidant-rich treat.
🔴 Cons: High in sugar and calories.
🟢 Mallow and Garlic Pastries
🟢 Definition
Rare pastries featuring mallow greens sautéed with garlic and olive oil, wrapped in soft pastry dough.
🟢 Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped fresh mallow leaves
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper
- Dough (basic pastry dough)
🟢 Preparation Steps
Sauté mallow with garlic and olive oil.
Allow mixture to cool.
Fill the dough, fold it, and bake at 375°F for 12 minutes.
🟢 Health Benefits
Rich in fiber, iron, and antioxidants.
Anti-inflammatory.
🟢 Pros & Cons
🟢 Pros: Highly nutritious, unique flavor.
🔴 Cons: Seasonal availability.
