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4.75 from 36 votes

Lebanese Meat Pies (Sfeehas)

Lebanese meat pies or sfeehas are savory pastries that are traditionally served like pizzas or as little triangles of doughy bread stuffed with a flavorful ground lamb or beef filling. Lebanese meat pies can be made in large sizes to be eaten for the main meal or smaller for appetizers!
Prep Time1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time2 hours
Course: Appetizers, Beef
Servings: 16
Calories: 289kcal
Author: Marzia

Ingredients

Dough:

  • 3 ⅔ cup self-rising flour plus more
  • 3 tablespoons powdered milk
  • 2 ¼ teaspoon instant yeast
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • ½ cup oil avocado, canola, etc.
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 cup warm water 105-110º

Filling:

  • 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
  • 1 large yellow onion chopped
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 3 Roma tomatoes diced
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 tablespoons sumac
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons parsley chopped
  • 6 tablespoons tahini paste
  • 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses

Instructions

  • DOUGH: Add the dry ingredient for the dough to a large mixing bowl. Whisk to combine. Make a well in the center, and add oil and eggs. Using a wooden spoon or dough whisk, stir as you add the water. When the dough comes together, make sure it isn't dry. If it is, add another 1-2 tablespoons of room temperature water, bring it together, then dump it out on a clean work surface. Knead it 6-8 times. When it comes together but doesn’t hold its shape, place it in a bowl and loosely cover it with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
  • FILLING: Heat the ghee in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onions for 3 minutes or until translucent. Add the ground beef, cook and crumble until the meat is cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Kick the heat up to medium-high, add the tomatoes, and continue cooking for 8-9 minutes or until the tomatoes wilt and the liquid dries out. Add the kosher salt, cinnamon, allspice, cayenne, sumac, tahini, and pomegranate molasses. Let cool for one minute. Turn off the stove, then add the lemon juice and parsley. Let the filling cool to room temperature.
  • ASSEMBLE: Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 425ºF. Divide the dough out into 16 (for large) or 32 (for small pieces). Roll out dough balls on a lightly floured work surface into a 4-6 inch circle. It’s okay if the dough feels a little oily, don’t add more flour. Place 2 tablespoons of filling for large sfeehas and 1 tablespoon for mini ones. Grab 2 ends and bring them to the center over the filling. Pinch the seam together to create a seal. Stop at the center and bring the last side up and pinch it down the sides to create a triangle. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake 6 large per sheet pan or 12 small.
  • BAKE: Let the pies rest for 15 minutes before baking. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the start to turn lightly golden browning. Mine took exactly 12 minutes. Serve warm with yogurt, or a tahini dip and lemon wedges.

Notes

    Meat pieces can be stored in the refrigerator covered for up to 3 days. You can also bake and freeze them for up to 2 months. Reheat frozen pies in a 250ºF oven until warmed through; about 12-15 mins.

Nutrition

Calories: 289kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 15g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g
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