Spinach Fatayer is a classic Middle Eastern pastry filled with a flavorful mixture of spinach, onion, lemon juice, and aromatic spices. These delicious triangular pies are soft, savory, and perfect as an appetizer, snack, or light meal. Whether you’re familiar with Lebanese cuisine or trying it for the first time, this Spinach Fatayer recipe is simple, authentic, and incredibly satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy homemade dough with simple pantry ingredients
- Packed with fresh spinach and bright Mediterranean flavors
- Perfect for meal prep and freezing
- Naturally vegan when made without egg wash
- Family-friendly and great for gatherings
- Authentic Lebanese-inspired flavor
- Baked instead of fried for a lighter option
Ingredients
For the Pastry
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon instant yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ⅓ cup warm water, plus extra if needed
For the Filling
- 8 ounces spinach, fresh or frozen
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Lebanese seven spice (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sumac
- ½ tablespoon pomegranate molasses
- ½ tablespoon pine nuts (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, salt, and sugar.
- Add olive oil and warm water. Mix until a dough forms. Add additional water if needed.
- Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 3–5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Shape into a ball and place in a lightly oiled bowl.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- If using fresh spinach, chop roughly and place in a colander. Sprinkle lightly with salt and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Squeeze the spinach thoroughly to remove excess liquid.
- Combine spinach, onion, salt, pepper, sumac, Lebanese seven spice, pomegranate molasses, and pine nuts in a bowl.
- Set the filling aside.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a smooth ball.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Roll each dough ball into a circle about 6–7 inches wide.
- Stir lemon juice into the filling just before assembling the Spinach Fatayer.
- Place approximately 2 tablespoons filling in the center of each dough circle.
- Fold and pinch the dough into a triangular shape, sealing the edges well.
- Transfer to a lightly oiled baking sheet.
- Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
- Brush lightly with olive oil if desired.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Transfer to a cooling rack and serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips & Tricks
- Remove as much moisture from the spinach as possible to prevent soggy pastries.
- Add extra sumac for a tangier flavor.
- Frozen spinach works well and saves preparation time.
- Pine nuts add texture but can be omitted.
- Seal the dough carefully to keep the filling inside during baking.
- Allow the dough sufficient time to rise for the best texture.
Details
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Rise Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 fatayer
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Lebanese, Middle Eastern
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Vegan, Dairy-Free
Notes
- Serve with yogurt sauce, hummus, or a fresh salad.
- Add chopped parsley for extra freshness.
- Whole wheat flour can replace part of the all-purpose flour.
- For a richer finish, brush with olive oil after baking.
Nutrition
Approximate per serving:
- Calories: 155
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 180mg
FAQ
What is Spinach Fatayer?
Spinach Fatayer are traditional Lebanese pastries filled with spinach, onions, lemon juice, and spices, then baked until golden.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes. Thaw completely and squeeze out all excess liquid before using.
Can Spinach Fatayer be made ahead?
Absolutely. Assemble them ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Why is my filling watery?
The spinach likely retained too much moisture. Be sure to squeeze it thoroughly before mixing.
Can I freeze Spinach Fatayer?
Yes. Freeze baked or unbaked fatayer for up to 3 months.
What can I serve with Spinach Fatayer?
They pair well with hummus, baba ganoush, tabbouleh, or a simple cucumber salad.
Storage
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain texture.
Similar Recipes
Spinach Fatayer Recipe
Ingredients
For the Pastry
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon instant yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ⅓ cup warm water plus extra if needed
For the Filling
- 8 ounces spinach fresh or frozen
- ½ onion finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Lebanese seven spice optional
- 1 teaspoon sumac
- ½ tablespoon pomegranate molasses
- ½ tablespoon pine nuts optional
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, salt, and sugar.
- Add olive oil and warm water. Mix until a dough forms. Add additional water if needed.
- Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 3–5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Shape into a ball and place in a lightly oiled bowl.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- If using fresh spinach, chop roughly and place in a colander. Sprinkle lightly with salt and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Squeeze the spinach thoroughly to remove excess liquid.
- Combine spinach, onion, salt, pepper, sumac, Lebanese seven spice, pomegranate molasses, and pine nuts in a bowl.
- Set the filling aside.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a smooth ball.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Roll each dough ball into a circle about 6–7 inches wide.
- Stir lemon juice into the filling just before assembling the Spinach Fatayer.
- Place approximately 2 tablespoons filling in the center of each dough circle.
- Fold and pinch the dough into a triangular shape, sealing the edges well.
- Transfer to a lightly oiled baking sheet.
- Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
- Brush lightly with olive oil if desired.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Transfer to a cooling rack and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Serve with yogurt sauce, hummus, or a fresh salad.
- Add chopped parsley for extra freshness.
- Whole wheat flour can replace part of the all-purpose flour.
- For a richer finish, brush with olive oil after baking.
Conclusion
This Spinach Fatayer recipe delivers authentic Middle Eastern flavor with a soft homemade dough and a bright, savory spinach filling. Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing, these Lebanese spinach pies make a wonderful addition to any meal, gathering, or snack table. Once you try homemade Spinach Fatayer, they’re sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.