Sneha's Recipe: Zaatar

A Fatayer, is part of Lebanese cuisine and also of other Middle Eastern countries. Fatayer can be made with different type of fillings like mince, spinach, etc. Traditionally a Cheese Fatayer is made with the Akkawi cheese but you can also make it with feta cheese or mozarella cheese or a mix of both. Here I have used Kiri Cheese and zaatar spice to make these Fatayer .

Makes 6
Ingredients
150 Grams Bread Flour
¼ Cup Milk
1 Teaspoon Sugar
6 Grams Fresh Yeast
½ Teaspoon Baking Powder
1 Tablespoon Oil
½ Teaspoon Sea Salt
Half An Egg
1½ Tablespoons Water
For The Filling
4 Squares Kiri Cheese
1 Teaspoon Zaatar
1 Teaspoon Oil
For Brushing
Half An Egg
Sesame Seeds - optional
Method

In a large bowl add the sugar and yeast, mix it well and let is aside for 10 minutes or till it is frothy.

Once the yeast has bloomed add in the flour, milk, baking powder, oil, salt and egg together in the bowl and mix it gradually to make a combined dough. Take this dough on to a work surface and knead it to make a nice soft and smooth dough. Keep this in a oiled bowl , cling wrap it, till it doubles in volume.

In the meantime in a small bowl mix in the Zataar and oil well, then add in the Kiri chees and mix it well. Refrigerate it.

When the dough has doubled, deflate it and make 6 equal balls. Roll each dough in to smooth balls, cover and leave it aside for 15 minutes.

After 15 minutes flatten each ball into small round circles.

Divide the cheese filling into 6 equal parts. Fill the cheese in the middle. Fold the flattened dough and close in the middle (As shown in the pic).

Place on the greased baking pan. Repeat same process until the remaining circles.
Brush on top of each piece with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds ( I skip this).

Bake them in a preheated oven 180°C for about 18 - 20 minutes or until golden brown. These were done in 18 minutes.

Enjoy them for breakfast or as evening snacks. These taste good when hot and fresh! These were simply super delicious!!

My Notes
If you do not have Zaatar spice check the Recipe Homemade Zaatar Spice
Labels: Bread Bakers, Cheese, Breads, Zaatar, Lebanese, Middle Eastern, Snacks, Breakfast

#BreadBakers is a group of bread loving bakers who get together once a month to bake bread with a common ingredient or theme. Follow our Pinterest board right here. Links are also updated each month on this home page.

We take turns hosting each month and choosing the theme/ingredient.

Bazluma from Magical Ingredients
Cheese Fatayer from Sneha's Recipe
Egyptian Mahlab Bread from Food Lust People Love
Halloumi Cheese, Olive, and Mint Bread from Cook with Renu
Ka'ak Asfar from Karen's Kitchen Stories
Olive Oil Blueberry Muffins from A Day in the Life on the Farm
Pita from Passion Kneaded
Scones with Za'atar and Feta from Palatable Pastime
Sourdough Man'oushe (Za'atar Flatbread) from Zesty South Indian Kitchen
Vasilopita from A Messy Kitchen

Zaatar is a herb used in the Middle East and Mediterranean countries. Zaatar is generally prepared using dried thyme, oregano, marjoram, or some combinations of other spices too.

For the marathon this week the theme is Condiment from Countries, wherein we have to choose condiments, sauces, spreads or seasonings - its week 3 - day 16.

Condiment - Zaatar

Country - Middle Eastern Countries

Ingredients

8 - 10 Baby Potatoes
1 Tablespoons Zaatar
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
1 Tablespoon Olive oil
1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper powder
For the Zaatar Spice

1 Tablespoon Oregano
1 Tablespoon Thyme
1 Tablespoon Marjoram
1 Tablespoon Sumac
1 Tablespoon Cumin - coarsely ground
Method

To make the Zaatar Spice

Mix all the ingredients and the spice it ready. Some even add sesame seeds, which I have not add.

Preheat your oven to 180 degrees.

Wash and scrub the skin of the potatoes well. Chop the potatoes into halves and toss in a large bowl with the olive oil, salt and zaatar. Pour the potatoes along with the marinade onto a baking sheet. Roast for 35-40 minutes, stirring the potatoes with a fork after 20 minutes. Enjoy .... These are yummy and flavorful, can be served as starters too.