Lebanese Beef Sambousek are savory pastries filled with spiced ground beef, wrapped in delicate, flaky dough. These delicious little pockets are a popular appetizer or snack in Lebanese cuisine, often served during festive occasions or as part of a mezze spread. Their crispy, golden exterior and flavorful filling make them an irresistible treat.
The filling for sambousek is typically made from ground beef, which is sautéed with onions, garlic, and a blend of aromatic spices like cinnamon, allspice, and cumin. Some recipes may also include pine nuts or raisins for added texture and a hint of sweetness. The beef is cooked until browned and well-seasoned, then allowed to cool slightly before being stuffed into the dough.
To assemble the sambousek, you can use ready-made phyllo dough or make your own dough from scratch if you’re feeling adventurous. The dough is rolled out into small circles, and a spoonful of the beef filling is placed in the center of each. The dough is then folded over to form a crescent or triangle shape, pinching the edges tightly to seal the filling inside. Some people like to brush the top with a little egg wash for extra shine and color.
These pastries are typically deep-fried until golden and crisp, although they can also be baked for a lighter option. Whether fried or baked, Lebanese Beef Sambousek are best served warm, with a side of yogurt or tahini for dipping.
Sambousek can be made ahead of time and frozen before frying, making them a great option for meal prep or special occasions. Once fried, they are crispy on the outside, while the beef filling remains tender and flavorful on the inside. Perfect for gatherings or as a snack, these savory bites bring the essence of Lebanese cuisine to your table with every delicious bite.
Ingredients
- For the Filling: Filling
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp allspice ground
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 1 egg lightly beaten
Instructions
- In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, and ground allspice to the pan. Stir well to coat the meat with the spices. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove the pan from the heat and let the meat filling cool completely.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix well.
- Add the melted butter, warm water, plain yogurt, and lightly beaten egg to the bowl. Stir until a dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a small circle.
- Place about 1 tablespoon of the cooled meat filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough in half to enclose the filling and press the edges to seal.
- Repeat with the remaining dough circles and filling.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to about 350°F (180°C).
- Fry the sambousek in batches for about 3-4 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the sambousek from the oil and drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
- Serve hot and enjoy!