Mezze

Fatayer sabanekh (spinach triangles)

Golden brown spinach fatayer arranged on a serving plate with a side of lemon wedges and a small bowl of tahini sauce
Prep
30 mins
Cook
25 mins
Servings
6
LebaneseIntermediateBreakfastBrunchSnackVegetarianDairy FreeNut Free

About this dish

Fatayer sabanekh are savory Lebanese spinach pies, beloved across the Levant for their flaky dough and tangy, sumac-spiced filling. These triangular pastries make a wonderful breakfast or mezze, especially when paired with a dollop of labneh or a side of pickled turnips.

My version stays true to tradition but sneaks in a touch of tahini for extra creaminess – because why not? The dough is surprisingly simple to work with, and the filling comes together in minutes.

Ingredients

UK and US measurements are both included for every recipe.

All-purpose flour

grain

300 g (3 cups)

Active dry yeast

other

1 tsp

Salt

seasoning

1 tsp

Olive oil

fat

1 tbsp

Warm water

liquid

150-180 ml (⅔-¾ cup)

Spinach

vegetable

450 g (1 lb) fresh, chopped

Imperial measurement: 450 g (1 lb)

Onion

vegetable

1 medium

Tahini

other

3 tbsp

Sumac

spice

2 tbsp

Lemon juice

liquid

2 tbsp

Salt and black pepper

seasoning

to taste

Pomegranate molasses

other

2 tbsp

Olive oil

fat

to drizzle

Method

1

Activate yeast

10 minutes

In a small bowl, combine the yeast with 2 tablespoons of warm water and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 10 minutes until frothy.

2

Make dough

1 hour 10 minutes

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, olive oil, and enough warm water to bring the dough together (about 150-180 ml). Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Brush with olive oil, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled.

3

Prepare filling

10 minutes

While the dough rises, place the chopped spinach in a large bowl. Sprinkle with salt, then squeeze out excess water by handfuls. Add finely chopped onion, tahini, sumac, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and optional pomegranate molasses. Mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning.

4

Preheat oven

0 minutes

Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

5

Shape fatayer

15 minutes

Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces (about 50 g each). Roll each into a ball, then roll out on a lightly floured surface into a 4-inch (10 cm) circle, about 3 mm thick. Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of filling onto the center of each circle. Fold up three sides to form a triangle, pinching the seams to seal securely. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.

6

Bake

20 minutes

Lightly brush the tops of the fatayer with olive oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown and the tops are lightly colored. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Rolling pin
  • Chef's knife

Nutrition facts

360 kcal
Calories
8 g
Protein
45 g
Carbohydrates
12 g
Fat
4 g
Fiber
320 mg
Sodium

Tips

  • If the dough feels too dry while kneading, add a tablespoon or two of warm water until smooth and pliable.
  • The tahini in the filling adds rich creaminess, but you can substitute extra olive oil if tahini isn't on hand.
  • For a brighter, tangier filling, don't skimp on the sumac—its lemony punch is key to the classic flavor.
  • Seal the edges well, otherwise the fatayer may open during baking and leak some liquid.

Serving suggestions

  • Serve warm or at room temperature alongside labneh, fresh mint leaves, and a bowl of olives for a classic Lebanese breakfast spread.

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Sami Haddad

Recipe by

Sami Haddad

Specialises in Lebanese cuisine

Sami makes hummus with so much tahini it's basically a dessert. He is a chickpea champion.

Describe yourself in three words: Creamy, tahini-heavy, chickpea lover.