Description
A traditional meat pie of this style is a yeast-leavened pastry that features a savory filling composed of finely minced or ground lamb, onions, tomatoes, and a specific blend of warm spices. In many parts of the Middle East, they are left open-faced, looking almost like miniature pizzas where the seasoned meat cooks directly on top of the dough. In other regions, the dough is pinched into neat triangles or square packets, which helps trap the juices of the meat as it bakes in a hot oven.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup warm water (adjust as needed)
For the Lamb Filling
- 1 lb (450 g) halal ground lamb
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium tomato, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped (optional)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp allspice
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For Serving (Optional)
- Plain yogurt or garlic yogurt sauce
- Fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges
- Pickled vegetables
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Knead until a smooth dough forms.
- Cover and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Lamb Filling
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Sauté onion and garlic until softened.
- Add ground lamb and cook until browned.
- Stir in tomato paste, chopped tomato, spices, salt, and pepper.
- Cook until the mixture is slightly dry.
- Add lemon juice and fresh herbs. Cool before filling.
3. Assemble the Sfeeha
- Divide dough into 12 equal portions and roll into small circles.
- Add a spoonful of lamb filling to the center.
- Fold into triangle shapes or leave open-faced like traditional sfeeha.
- Seal edges firmly.
4. Bake
- Place hand pies on a lined baking tray.
- Brush lightly with olive oil.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–22 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer / Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 hand pies
- Calories: 520 kcal
Keywords: lebanese meat pies recipe, middle eastern lamb sfeeha, homemade halal meat turnovers