Description
Sfeeha Yafawiyeh is a traditional Palestinian meat pie from the city of Yafa (Jaffa). Featuring thin, crispy dough filled with spiced ground meat, onions, and tangy pomegranate molasses, these square-shaped pastries are baked until golden and make a perfect appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup warm water (approx.)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground lamb or beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp pomegranate molasses
- Optional: 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts or 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix flour and salt. Gradually add warm water and oil, kneading until a soft, elastic dough forms. Cover and let rest for 30–60 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook ground meat in a skillet until browned. Add chopped onions and sauté until soft. Season with allspice, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Stir in pomegranate molasses. Let filling cool completely.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Divide dough into small balls. Roll each out very thinly into a square or rectangle.
- Place a spoonful of filling in the center, fold edges inward to form a square or envelope shape, and press lightly to seal.
- Arrange on baking sheet, brush tops lightly with oil, and bake for 15–20 minutes, until golden brown and crisp.
- Serve warm or at room temperature with yogurt or lemon wedges.
Notes
Roll dough very thin for the crispiest texture.Pomegranate molasses adds authentic tangy flavor—don’t skip if available.Make smaller versions for party appetizers.For a vegetarian option, substitute filling with mushrooms, lentils, or spinach and cheese.Best served fresh, but leftovers can be reheated in the oven for crispness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
