Palestinian Spinach and Cheese Pastries

Ingredients

In this adaptation from the original Maltese Qassatat, the Palestinian Spinach and Cheese Pastries incorporate traditional Palestinian spices and flavors. The filling is enhanced with aromatic spices such as cumin, sumac, and za'atar, which are commonly used in Palestinian cuisine. Additionally, the pastry crust is made using traditional Palestinian techniques, resulting in a flaky and tender texture that complements the filling perfectly. We alse have the original recipe for Qassatat, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 cup (120ml) cold water 1/2 cup (120ml) cold water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups (400g) fresh spinach, chopped 4 cups (400g) fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup (150g) feta cheese, crumbled 1 cup (150g) feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon sumac 1 teaspoon sumac
• 1 teaspoon za'atar 1 teaspoon za'atar
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 28g, 1g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the cold water, a little at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Knead the dough lightly until smooth, then shape it into a ball. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
4. 4.
   Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
5. 5.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed spinach, crumbled feta cheese, ground cumin, sumac, za'atar, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
6. 6.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
7. 7.
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut out circles using a round cookie cutter or a glass.
8. 8.
   Place a spoonful of the spinach and cheese filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape and press the edges to seal.
9. 9.
   Place the pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with a beaten egg for a golden finish.
10. 10.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and crispy.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Spinach — Make sure to thoroughly wash the spinach leaves and remove any tough stems before chopping.
• Feta cheese — Use a good quality feta cheese for the best flavor and texture. If desired, you can substitute it with a similar crumbly cheese like goat cheese or ricotta.

Tips & Tricks

• For a variation, you can add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or mint to the spinach and cheese filling for an extra burst of flavor.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or drizzle hot sauce over the filling before sealing the pastries.
• Serve the pastries warm or at room temperature for the best taste and texture.
• These pastries can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven before serving.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations such as adding shredded mozzarella or crumbled goat cheese to the filling.

Serving advice

Serve the Palestinian Spinach and Cheese Pastries as an appetizer or as part of a mezze platter. They pair well with a side of tzatziki or tahini sauce for dipping. Alternatively, enjoy them as a light lunch or snack on their own.

Presentation advice

Arrange the pastries on a platter, garnished with a sprinkle of sumac or za'atar for an extra touch of color. Serve them alongside a variety of other Palestinian dishes to create a visually appealing and delicious spread.