Sambousek Meat Pockets

Sambousek Meat Pockets are savory Lebanese pastries filled with spiced ground beef, perfect for a midnight snack. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these pockets are bursting with flavor and tradition.

Ingredients

• all-purpose flour - 200 grams
• water - 100 ml
• olive oil - 30 ml
• salt - 1 teaspoon
• ground beef - 150 grams
• onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• cumin - 1 teaspoon
• coriander - 1 teaspoon
• black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• pine nuts - 30 grams, toasted
• parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
• egg - 1, beaten for egg wash

Steps

1. In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, salt, olive oil, and water to form a smooth dough. Knead for about 5 minutes, then cover and let it rest for 15 minutes.
2. In a skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and translucent.
3. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in the cumin, coriander, black pepper, toasted pine nuts, parsley, and lemon juice. Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let the filling cool.
5. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
6. Divide the dough into small balls (about the size of a golf ball). Roll each ball into a thin circle on a floured surface.
7. Place a spoonful of the meat filling onto one half of each circle, and fold the other half over to create a pocket. Seal the edges by pressing them together or crimping with a fork.
8. Brush the tops of the sambousek with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
9. Arrange the sambousek on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
10. Serve warm with a side of yogurt or tahini sauce.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 25 g
• Carbs: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Cholesterol: 70 mg
• Total Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Water: 0.1 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in protein from the ground beef, supporting muscle health.
• Contains healthy fats from olive oil and pine nuts, beneficial for heart health.

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