Lebanese Meat Pies (Sfeehas)

Step 1

FOR THE DOUGH: Put the flour, powdered milk, yeast, salt, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Give it a good whisk so that all the ingredients are mixed. Create a well in the middle, add oil and eggs to well. Using a wooden spoon, stir as you add the water. When the dough starts to come together, dump it out onto a work surface. Knead the dough for 3-4 minutes. The dough will look wet and sloppy and doesn't really hold its shape. Place it in a bowl and loosely cover it with plastic wrap or a towel. Let the dough rise in a warm spot, like the oven (turned off, of course) for 1 hour. While it's rising, prepare the filling.

Step 2

FOR THE SFEEHA FILLING: Heat the ghee in a large skillet on medium heat. Sauté the onions for 3 minutes. They should just start to turn translucent. Add the ground beef or lamb. Brown the meat for 10-12 minutes. Increase the flame to medium-high and add the tomatoes. Continue to cook for 8-9 more minutes or until the tomatoes wilt and most of the liquid dries up. Add the salt, cinnamon, allspice, cayenne, and sumac. Give it a stir. Add the tahini paste and pomegranate molasses. Let it cook for 1 more minute. Turn the stove off and add the lemon juice and chopped parsley. Let the filling cool for 15 - 20 minutes.

Step 3

ASSEMBLE: Divide the dough into 16 or 32 pieces depending on how you'd like to serve. Before rolling out each dough ball spread a teaspoon or two of flour on a clean work surface. Roll the dough ball around so that it takes in the flour. The dough is going to feel somewhat oily, don't be tempted to add more flour. Roll out dough into a 5-6 inch circle. Place 2 tablespoons of the filling in the center (for larger sfeehas, for smaller use 1 tablespoon). Grab 2 ends and bring them over the filling. Pinch dough as you go to create a seal, stop at the center. Bring the last side up and pinch the center and down the two sides. Place on a parchment or silicone-lined baking sheet, 6 per sheet for large, and 12 for app size. (see pictures in post for detailed step-by-step directions).

Step 4

BAKE: Position two rack in the center of the oven and preheat oven to 425ºF. Let pies rest for at least 15 minutes while the oven is preheating. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until they start turning lightly golden brown. Mine took exactly 12 minutes. Serve them warm or at room temperature with cold greek yogurt as a dip or with lemon wedges.