Easy Homemade Esfiha Recipe: 3 Delicious Fillings & Garlic Sauce

Ever felt like whipping up something incredible to host friends and family at home? Today, we’re sharing a recipe that is sure to win everyone over: homemade closed esfihas (meat pies), featuring three different fillings and a delicious, creamy dipping sauce. After all, who can resist a warm, fresh esfiha, right?

Ingredients for Your Homemade Esfihas:

Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (approx. 500g)
• 1 cup warm milk (250ml)
• 3 tbsp margarine or unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• A pinch of salt
• 2 large eggs
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 packet (approx. 2 ¼ tsp or 10g) active dry yeast

Fillings:

• Spinach and creamy ricotta
• Four Cheese: Mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, and Havarti (or mild white cheese)
• Ground beef, black pepper, scallions, salt, fresh parsley, and cherry tomatoes

Garlic Sauce:

• ½ cup cold milk
• 1 garlic clove
• Vegetable oil (as needed to emulsify)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh herbs (parsley and scallions) to taste

Instructions:

Dough:

1. Warm the milk until lukewarm to help the dough rise properly.
2. In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, margarine, yeast, oil, sugar, salt, and eggs.
3. Mix well, then gradually add the flour until the dough comes together. Add a little more flour if necessary until it is no longer sticky.
4. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Divide the dough into 2oz (60g) portions and form into small balls. Flatten each ball into a circle.

Fillings:

1. Spinach: Sauté onions in olive oil, add spinach, salt, black pepper, and creamy ricotta. Cook until the filling is combined and creamy.
2. Four Cheese: Mix the grated cheeses (mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, and Havarti).
3. Ground Beef: Sauté onions in olive oil, add ground beef, salt, black pepper, and chopped cherry tomatoes. Stir in fresh parsley and scallions at the end.

Assembling the Esfihas:

1. Roll out each dough ball into a thin circle.
2. Place a generous tablespoon of filling in the center and fold the edges up, pinching firmly to seal tightly.
3. Brush the tops with an egg wash (beaten egg yolk).
4. Let the esfihas rest for approximately 40 minutes.
5. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200ºC) and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Garlic Sauce:

1. In a blender, combine one cooked egg yolk, ½ cup cold milk, and a garlic clove.
2. Blend while slowly drizzling in oil until you achieve a creamy mayonnaise-like consistency.
3. Season with salt and fresh herbs to taste and stir well.

Pro Tip:

Kneading the dough well is essential for soft and fluffy esfihas. Don’t be shy with the filling—the more generous you are, the more delicious they will be!

Fun Fact:

Esfihas are a traditional Middle Eastern dish with countless variations, making them a perfect choice for social gatherings. Paired with this homemade garlic sauce, they are truly irresistible.

You’re all set to impress your guests with these delicious homemade esfihas. Enjoy the meal and share this special moment with your loved ones. Bon appétit!