1532. Fresh Zaatar and Feta Mutabbag

This is quite possibly my favorite Palestinian pastry, made using a vibrant mix of fresh zaatar, onions, sumac and feta cheese for a special touch of added flavor, all folded in a thin dough. I was inspired to serve it on a platter with some lebne, olives, cucumbers, and tomatoes, and it made the most amazing accompaniment to a sweet cup of afternoon tea. 

Ingredients:

3 cups flour

1 tsp salt

1 tsp instant yeast

1/3 cup olive oil

1 cup warm water

For the filling:

3-4 cups fresh zaatar

3 onions, finely chopped

4 Tbsp sumac

1 1/2 tsp salt

1 cup feta cheese, grated or crumbled

Lot of olive oil

Method:

Put all the dough ingredients in a food processor and blitz until a dough is formed. Place in an oiled bowl and cover for about an hour until doubled in size.

Meanwhile make the filling. Finely chop the onion and rub it well using your hands with the sumac and the salt. Roughly chop the fresh zaatar and mix it in with the onions and grated/crumbled feta.

Divide the dough and the filling into four.

Take a portion of the dough, and place it on a clean and well-oiled countertop. Top with more oil. Using your fingers, spread the dough into a large rectangle until the dough is almost transparent. Fold the long side down to the middle. Scatter half a portion of the filling. Fold over the other long side to cover the filling, and scatter the remaining filling portion. You will have one long piece in front of you at this stage. Fold over one of the short sides then the other short side to form a package about the size of your palm. Set aside on an oiled baking sheet. Repeat for the remaining three portions. See pictures here.

Starting with the first package which has had time to rest, use the same finger technique to spread the package into a thin slab, using more olive oil as required.

Bake in a preheated 450F oven for 10 minutes, then broil for some bronzing for a half minute more.

Take out of the oven and brush one last time with olive oil. Cut into portions and serve warm or room temperature.

صحة و عافية