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Delicious Crescent Meat Pastries: A Palestinian Delight

Yields10 ServingsPrep Time30 minsCook Time20 minsTotal Time50 mins

Savor the rich flavors of these crescent-shaped pastries filled with savory meat, cheese, or spinach. These pastries can be made ahead and frozen. They will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Golden-brown crescent-shaped pastries filled with delicious meat and herbs.

Dough Ingredients
 4 cups all-purpose flour
 1 tsp salt
 1 tsp sugar
 1 cup water (lukewarm)
 2 tbsp olive oil
Filling Ingredients
 500 g ground beef or lamb
 1 onion (finely chopped)
 2 cloves garlic (minced)
 1 tsp ground cumin
 1 tsp ground cinnamon
 1 tsp black pepper
 1 tsp salt (to taste)
 2 tbsp pine nuts (optional)
 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
For Frying
 2 cups vegetable oil
Dough Preparation
1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar. Gradually add the lukewarm water and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Filling Preparation
2

In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion in a bit of olive oil until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in the ground meat, cumin, cinnamon, black pepper, and salt. Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and mix in pine nuts and fresh parsley. Let the filling cool.

Assembling the Pastries
3

Divide the rested dough into small balls (about the size of a golf ball). Roll each ball into a thin circle on a floured surface. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, sealing the edges by pressing them together. You can crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch.

Cooking
4

In a deep frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Fry the pastries in batches until they are golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Serving
5

Serve warm with a side of yogurt or tahini sauce for dipping.

Notes

These pastries can be made ahead and frozen. They will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Nutrition Facts

0 servings

Serving size

2 pastries


Amount per serving
Calories250
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 15g20%

Saturated Fat 3g15%
Trans Fat 0g
Monounsaturated Fat 8g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Cholesterol 40mg14%
Sodium 300mg14%
Total Carbohydrate 20g8%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%
Total Sugars 1g
Includes 0g Added Sugars0%
Protein 10g

Vitamin A 100mcg12%
Vitamin C 2mg3%
Calcium 30mg3%
Iron 2mg12%
Potassium 200mg5%
Vitamin D 0mcg0%
Vitamin E 1mg7%
Vitamin K 2mcg2%
Thiamin 0.1mg9%
Riboflavin 0.1mg8%
Niacin 2mg13%
Vitamin B6 0.1mg6%
Folate 10mcg3%
Vitamin B12 0.5mg21%
Biotin 1mcg4%
Pantothenic Acid 0.5mg10%
Phosphorus 100mg8%
Iodine 0mcg0%
Magnesium 10mg3%
Zinc 1mg10%
Selenium 5mcg10%
Copper 0.1mg12%
Manganese 0.5mg22%
Chromium 0mcg0%
Molybdenum 0mcg0%
Chloride 0mg0%

* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.