Mediterranean > Lebanese > Appetizer

Sfiha with Olives and Feta Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 1/2 cup chopped black olives
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped mint
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 lb pizza dough

Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. In a large bowl, mix together the ground lamb, chopped olives, crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, chopped mint, chopped onion, lemon juice, olive oil, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined.

3. Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.

4. Cut the dough into 3-inch circles using a cookie cutter or a glass.

5. Place the dough circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

6. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the lamb mixture onto each dough circle.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the lamb mixture is cooked through.

8. Serve warm.


Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Temperature:
400°F (200°C)
Serving size:
Makes about 24 sfihas

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 120
Total fat: 7g
Saturated fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 280mg
Total carbohydrates: 9g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 6g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef or ground turkey can be used instead of ground lamb.
- Kalamata olives can be used instead of black olives.
- Goat cheese can be used instead of feta cheese.
- Dried herbs can be used instead of fresh herbs.

Variations:
- Add chopped tomatoes to the lamb mixture for a more Mediterranean flavor.
- Use different spices, such as cinnamon or allspice, for a different taste.
- Make a vegetarian version by using a mixture of chopped mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers instead of the ground lamb.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the dough circles are not too thin, or they will break when you add the lamb mixture.
- If you don't have a cookie cutter or a glass, you can use a knife to cut the dough into circles.
- You can make the lamb mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until you're ready to use it.

Storage instructions:
Store the sfihas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat the sfihas in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Arrange the sfihas on a platter and sprinkle with chopped parsley or mint for a pop of color.

Garnishes:
Chopped parsley or mint

Pairings:
- Hummus and pita bread
- Tabbouleh salad
- Greek salad

Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Rice pilaf
- Grilled eggplant

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough circles break when you add the lamb mixture, try rolling the dough a little thicker next time.
- If the sfihas are too dry, try adding a little more olive oil to the lamb mixture.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure the lamb is cooked through before serving.
- Store the sfihas in the refrigerator and discard any leftovers after 3 days.

Food history:
Sfiha is a traditional Middle Eastern dish that originated in Lebanon. It is typically made with ground lamb or beef, onions, and spices, and is often served as a snack or appetizer.

Flavor profiles:
Savory, tangy, and slightly spicy

Serving suggestions:
Serve the sfihas as a snack or appetizer, or as part of a larger Middle Eastern meal.

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Region: Lebanese

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Salty, Herby, Rich