Cheese Fatayer Aleppo Mint (Print Version)

Golden pastries with mozzarella, feta, parsley, and Aleppo mint in a tender olive oil dough.

# Ingredients:

→ Cheese Filling

01 - 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
02 - 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
03 - 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
04 - 1 large egg, beaten
05 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
06 - 1 teaspoon dried mint
07 - 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper
08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
09 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
10 - 1 teaspoon nigella seeds

→ Dough

11 - 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour, more as needed
12 - 1/2 tablespoon kosher salt
13 - 1/2 tablespoon instant yeast
14 - 1 cup lukewarm water
15 - 1/2 tablespoon granulated sugar
16 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
17 - 2 tablespoons plain yogurt

→ For Assembly

18 - Milk or heavy cream, for brushing

# Steps:

01 - Combine all-purpose flour, salt, instant yeast, lukewarm water, sugar, olive oil, and plain yogurt in a large mixing bowl. Mix using a dough hook, wooden spoon, or spatula. Knead by hand or machine for 2 to 3 minutes until a soft, elastic dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, incorporate additional flour by the tablespoon as needed.
02 - Transfer dough to a lightly oiled bowl. Cover and let it proof in a warm area for about 1 hour or until doubled in volume.
03 - In a separate bowl, mix mozzarella, feta, chopped parsley, beaten egg, onion powder, dried mint, Aleppo pepper, black pepper, garlic powder, and nigella seeds. Set aside until required for filling.
04 - Preheat oven to 475°F. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each into a ball, then roll each piece into an oval approximately 5 inches long. Spoon a generous amount of cheese filling into the center. Fold the sides over the filling, pinching the top and bottom to create a boat shape. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
05 - Brush the edges of each shaped fatayer with milk or heavy cream. Bake in a preheated 475°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are golden brown.
06 - Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving warm.

# Notes:

01 - Aleppo pepper may be substituted with mild chili flakes if unavailable.
02 - For crispier edges, ensure the dough is rolled thin and avoid overloading with filling.