{"id":"recipe_4701b3c858","slug":"beef-sambousek","title":"Beef Sambousek","description":"Crispy, golden-brown Mediterranean pastry pockets filled with a savory mixture of spiced ground beef, sautéed onions, and toasted pine nuts.","serves":6,"time":{"prepMinutes":40,"cookMinutes":20,"totalMinutes":60,"activeMinutes":45},"ingredients":[{"id":"ingredient-1","original":"500g all-purpose flour","name":"All-purpose flour","quantity":500,"unit":"g","usQuantity":4,"usUnit":"cup","form":"all-purpose","notes":"","group":"Dough","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-2","original":"250ml warm water","name":"Warm Water","quantity":250,"unit":"ml","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"cup","form":"warm","notes":"","group":"Dough","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-3","original":"60ml vegetable oil","name":"Vegetable Oil","quantity":60,"unit":"ml","usQuantity":"1/4","usUnit":"cup","form":"","notes":"","group":"Dough","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-4","original":"1 tsp salt","name":"Salt","quantity":5,"unit":"g","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"tsp","form":"","notes":"Plus extra for filling","group":"Dough","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-5","original":"500g lean ground beef","name":"Ground Beef","quantity":500,"unit":"g","usQuantity":1.1,"usUnit":"lb","form":"ground","notes":"lean","group":"Filling","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-6","original":"1 large onion, finely chopped","name":"Onion","quantity":1,"unit":"piece","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"piece","form":"finely chopped","notes":"large","group":"Filling","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-7","original":"50g pine nuts","name":"Pine Nuts","quantity":50,"unit":"g","usQuantity":"1/3","usUnit":"cup","form":"toasted","notes":"","group":"Filling","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-8","original":"1/2 tsp ground allspice","name":"Allspice","quantity":2,"unit":"g","usQuantity":"1/2","usUnit":"tsp","form":"ground","notes":"","group":"Filling","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-9","original":"1/4 tsp ground cinnamon","name":"Cinnamon","quantity":1,"unit":"g","usQuantity":"1/4","usUnit":"tsp","form":"ground","notes":"","group":"Filling","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-10","original":"Oil for deep frying","name":"Oil","quantity":500,"unit":"ml","usQuantity":2,"usUnit":"cup","form":"for deep frying","notes":"Estimated amount for frying","group":"Cooking","optional":false}],"instructions":[{"id":"instruction-1","text":"In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the vegetable oil and warm water. Knead by hand or with a stand mixer until a smooth, elastic dough forms. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.","group":"Dough Preparation","title":"Combine the flour and salt","timerMinutes":30,"sourceTitle":"Dough Preparation"},{"id":"instruction-2","text":"While the dough rests, prepare the filling. Heat a splash of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles.","group":"Filling Preparation","title":"Prepare the filling","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Filling Preparation"},{"id":"instruction-3","text":"Add the chopped onion to the beef and sauté until translucent. Stir in the salt, allspice, cinnamon, and black pepper. Remove from heat and stir in the toasted pine nuts. Let the filling cool completely.","group":"Filling Preparation","title":"Add the chopped onion","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Filling Preparation"},{"id":"instruction-4","text":"On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough very thin (about 2mm). Use a round cutter or glass to cut out circles about 8-10cm in diameter.","group":"Assembly","title":"Roll out the dough very thin","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Assembly"},{"id":"instruction-5","text":"Place a tablespoon of filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges firmly or use a fork to seal.","group":"Assembly","title":"Place a tablespoon of filling","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Assembly"},{"id":"instruction-6","text":"Heat oil in a deep pan to 180°C (356°F). Fry the sambousek in batches until golden brown and crispy on both sides. Drain on paper towels.","group":"Cooking","title":"Heat oil in a deep pan","timerMinutes":10,"sourceTitle":"Cooking"}],"notes":"For the best texture, ensure the dough is rolled very thin. You can also bake these at 200°C (400°F) for a healthier version, though frying is the traditional method for maximum crunch.","cuisine":{"group":"Mediterranean","specific":["Levantine"]},"course":["appetizer"],"cookingMethod":["fry"],"equipment":["rolling pin","round cookie cutter","deep fryer or large skillet","paper towels","stand mixer"],"diet":[],"allergens":["wheat","gluten","tree_nuts"],"difficulty":"medium","yield":{"amount":24,"unit":"piece","note":"Makes approximately 24-30 small pastries"},"makeAhead":{"instructions":"Sambousek can be assembled ahead of time and kept in the freezer before frying."},"storage":{"food":{"instructions":"Store fried sambousek in an airtight container. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispness.","reheatingNotes":"Avoid reheating in the microwave as they will become soggy."}},"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Frecipe_4701b3c858%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=e169a491-9da4-4df6-9cdc-c9f7d743faf1","imageAlt":"Beef Sambousek — recipe cover","aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","sourceUrl":"","tags":["meat pie","middle eastern","crispy","ramadan recipe","savory pastry"],"schemaVersion":1,"sourceTitle":"Beef Sambousek","sourcePublishedAt":"2026-02-04T01:59:01.370Z","sourceUpdatedAt":"2026-02-04T01:59:01.370Z","related":[{"id":"ac_l_ezme_d064be0373","slug":"acili-ezme","title":"Acılı Ezme","description":"A classic Turkish spicy vegetable salad and condiment featuring finely chopped tomatoes, peppers, and onions, balanced with the tang of pomegranate molasses and aromatic herbs.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":20,"cookMinutes":0,"totalMinutes":20,"activeMinutes":20},"cuisine":{"group":"Mediterranean","specific":["Turkish"]},"course":["sauce","appetizer"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegan","vegetarian","gluten_free","dairy_free","nut_free","low_carb"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fac_l_ezme_d064be0373%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=ac6fc624-4435-4cfa-9991-d45441036707","imageAlt":"Acılı Ezme — recipe cover","tags":["spicy","dip","vegetable","healthy","turkish","mezze"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":14,"stepCount":5},{"id":"recipe_2f05621352","slug":"bouyiourdi-greek-baked-feta","title":"Bouyiourdi (Greek Baked Feta)","description":"A traditional Greek meze featuring salty feta cheese baked until melted with juicy tomatoes, spicy peppers, and fragrant extra virgin olive oil.","serves":2,"time":{"prepMinutes":10,"cookMinutes":15,"totalMinutes":25,"activeMinutes":10},"cuisine":{"group":"Mediterranean","specific":["Greek"]},"course":["appetizer"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegetarian","gluten_free"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Frecipe_2f05621352%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=fd6db74e-cfd9-46b5-aa96-6e0e76c26c9a","imageAlt":"Bouyiourdi (Greek Baked Feta) — recipe cover","tags":["feta","baked cheese","greek meze","spicy","vegetarian"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":6,"stepCount":5},{"id":"recipe_66184712aa","slug":"creamy-homemade-hummus","title":"Creamy Homemade Hummus","description":"A silky, rich, and authentic Mediterranean chickpea dip blended with nutty tahini, fresh lemon juice, and aromatic garlic. Perfect for dipping or as a spread.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":15,"cookMinutes":0,"totalMinutes":15,"activeMinutes":15},"cuisine":{"group":"Mediterranean","specific":["Levantine","Middle Eastern"]},"course":["appetizer","side"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegan","vegetarian","gluten_free","dairy_free","high_protein","mediterranean","low_carb"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Frecipe_66184712aa%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=648d20cf-84fe-4052-b8d8-79fced2e9554","imageAlt":"Creamy Homemade Hummus — recipe cover","tags":["hummus","chickpeas","vegan","healthy","mediterranean","dip","high protein","gluten free"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":8,"stepCount":5}]}