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Egyptian Feteer Meshaltet (Layered Pastry) Recipe

Egyptian Feteer Meshaltet (Layered Pastry) Recipe

Feteer Meshaltet is a flaky Egyptian layered pastry with butter in between the layers. It is popularly known as Egyptian layered pastry.

Feteer Meshaltet can be enjoyed with both sweet and savory fillings such as cheese, coconut, chocolate, sausages, ground beef and many more. Feteer Meshaltet is traditionally given as a gift to visitors and friends, as the dish is believed to be a symbol of hospitality and kindness.

History & Cultural Significance

Feteer Meshaltet is believed to have existed since ancient Egypt when Feteer Meshaltet was called Feteer Maltoot. The snack was served as an offering to gods in the temples. It has since became one of the most popular dishes in Egypt.

Egyptian Feteer Meshaltet

Egyptian Feteer Meshaltet

Yield: 8
Prep Time: 50 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Feteer Meshaltet is a flaky Egyptian layered pastry with butter in between the layers. It is popularly known as Egyptian layered pastry.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour - 4 cups
  • Water - 1-2 cups
  • A pinch of salt
  • Melted butter - 1 cup

Instructions

  1. Mix the flour and a pinch of salt. Gradually, start pouring water and knead the dough. Keep pouring water in small intervals till the dough comes together. The consistency of the dough should be stretchy and not gooey.
  2. After you’re done kneading the dough, let it sit for 10 minutes. Then start making small to medium-sized balls, depending on your referred size for the feteer. Gently throw these feteer balls in a bowl of melted butter and completely immerse them. Let them rest for 15-20 minutes. 
  3. Create a very thin sheet by rolling the first ball with your hands. The sheet should be thin enough for the surface below to be visible. 
  4. Next, try to fold the dough over itself so it forms the shape of a quare. While doing this process, don’t forget to brush some melted butter in between the folds. Keep it aside and jump on to the next ball.
  5. The second ball is to be rolled of the same thinness as the first one. Lay the first ball on the middle layer side down. Carefully repeat the folding process of the outer one while brushing the in-between with butter. Now keep it aside.
  6. Repeat the same procedure for the third and fourth ball. Rest the final product on your baking dish seam side down. Again, don’t forget to brush the upper layer with some melted butter. Gently, try to compress the folded feteer with your hands so it evenly distributes on the baking dish. 
  7. Preheat your oven to 550F and bake the feteer in it for 10 minutes. As soon as you see the feteer puffing, make sure to turn the broiler on so you get a nice brown upper layer.
  8. For it to not become dry, brush it with a little more melted butter and cover it after it's completely done. Sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top of it and voila! 
  9. Repeat the same procedure to make the second feteer with the rest 4 balls. 
  10. You can serve your delicious feteer with honey, chocolate syrup, cheese varieties and any other dip of your choice.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 431Total Fat: 24gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 61mgSodium: 203mgCarbohydrates: 48gFiber: 2gSugar: 0gProtein: 7g

Photo credit: Mohamed Ouda

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