Syrian-inspired Stuffed Pastry Cups

Ingredients

While the original Malaysian Pie Tee features a filling of stir-fried jicama and prawns, this Syrian-inspired version incorporates a spiced ground meat filling. The spices used in the filling are also different, with cumin, coriander, and cinnamon being prominent flavors in the Syrian adaptation. Additionally, the pastry cups are baked instead of being deep-fried, giving them a lighter and healthier twist. We alse have the original recipe for Pie tee, so you can check it out.

• 12 pastry cups 12 pastry cups
• 250g (8.8 oz) ground beef or lamb 250g (8.8 oz) ground beef or lamb
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat) 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped tomatoes 1/2 cup finely chopped tomatoes
• 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking Olive oil for cooking

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 150 kcal / 628 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 9g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 8g, 1g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the ground beef or lamb to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
4. 4.
   Stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for another minute to toast the spices.
5. 5.
   Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for a few minutes until they soften.
6. 6.
   Remove the pan from heat and stir in the chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Place the pastry cups on a baking sheet and fill each cup with the spiced meat mixture.
8. 8.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the pastry cups are golden and crispy.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef or lamb — Make sure to use lean ground meat for a healthier option. You can also mix both beef and lamb for a more complex flavor.
• Ground cumin, ground coriander, and ground cinnamon — Toasting the spices in a dry pan before adding them to the filling will enhance their flavors.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a spicier filling, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce.
• Serve these Stuffed Pastry Cups with a side of tangy yogurt sauce or a refreshing cucumber and mint salad.
• You can make the filling in advance and refrigerate it until ready to use. Just make sure to reheat it before filling the pastry cups for serving.

Serving advice

Serve these Syrian-inspired Stuffed Pastry Cups as an appetizer at parties or as part of a mezze platter. They are best enjoyed warm and can be garnished with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or a drizzle of olive oil.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Stuffed Pastry Cups on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of paprika for an eye-catching presentation. Serve them alongside other Syrian-inspired dishes to create a vibrant and flavorful spread.