Mutabbaq

Instructions

1. 1

   Sauté Garlic and Ginger

   21 min

   In a frying pan, add a splash of oil and heat it over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add minced garlic and ginger, sautéing them until they become fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Then, incorporate the minced meat along with salt, paprika, cumin, allspice, turmeric, black pepper, and sugar. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the meat is fully browned and no longer pink, approximately 5-7 minutes. After cooking, remove the pan from heat and allow the mixture to cool completely.

2. 2

   Mix Filling Ingredients

   5 min

   In a large mixing bowl, crack in the egg and beat it lightly. Add the chopped tomato and finely chopped spring onions to the bowl, along with the cooled minced meat mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure that all ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed, creating a flavorful filling for the pastry.

3. 3

   Prepare Filo Pastry

   15 min

   Take 2 sheets of filo pastry and lay them flat on a clean surface, or use 1 sheet of spring roll wrap for a thicker base. Brush the top layer generously with melted butter to enhance flavor and crispness. Place a generous amount of the prepared filling in the center, then fold the pastry over the filling, brushing more butter on the edges to seal the edges tightly, ensuring no filling escapes during cooking.

4. 4

   Cook the Pastry Parcels

   24 min

   In a frying pan, heat enough oil over medium heat to cover the bottom of the pan. Carefully place the prepared pastry parcels in the hot oil and fry them until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides, turning occasionally, which should take about 4-6 minutes. Alternatively, if you prefer a healthier option, brush the parcels with melted butter and place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes, or until they are golden and crisp.

5. 5

   Plate and Serve

   2 min

   Once cooked, carefully remove the parcels from the frying pan or oven and let them drain on a paper towel for a moment to remove excess oil. Arrange the mutabbaq on a serving platter and enjoy them hot, possibly with a side of dipping sauce or fresh salad for extra flavor.