Mediterranean Meat Pies (Sfeeha)
These savory Mediterranean meat pies, known as Sfeeha, feature a spiced blend of ground beef and lamb with pine nuts and a bright lemon finish, all encased in flaky puff pastry. They make for an exquisite appetizer or a delightful light meal.
Instructions
- Thaw the frozen puff pastry according to package directions, typically in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for about 30-40 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped white onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the ground beef and ground lamb to the skillet. Break up the meat with a spoon and cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the pine nuts, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, allowing the flavors to meld and the pine nuts to lightly toast.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the lemon juice. Let the meat mixture cool slightly while you prepare the puff pastry.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, gently unfold one sheet of thawed puff pastry. Roll it out slightly to smooth any creases and achieve an even thickness. Using a 3-inch round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass, cut out circles. Repeat with the remaining pastry sheets, re-rolling scraps as needed.
- Place a tablespoon of the cooled meat mixture in the center of each pastry circle.
- To form the pies, you can either: Pinch 3-4 edges of the pastry around the filling, leaving the center exposed, to form a small, open tart (traditional Sfeeha style), or fold the pastry in half over the filling to create a crescent shape, then crimp the edges with a fork to seal (hand pie style).
- Carefully transfer the formed pies to the prepared baking sheets.
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg with a teaspoon of water to create an egg wash. Lightly brush the tops of the pies with the egg wash.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed.
- Serve hot or at room temperature.
Sfeeha are a beloved staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, offering a burst of rich flavors in every bite. This recipe simplifies the traditional version by utilizing convenient frozen puff pastry, making it accessible for home cooks while retaining the authentic taste. Perfect for gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner, these pies are a true culinary delight.