I recently had the pleasure of trying meat sambousek for the first time at a Lebanese restaurant in San Jose. As a lover of Middle Eastern cuisine, I was excited to try this popular Lebanese dish. Sambousek is a pastry that contains various ingredients such as meat, cheese, or spinach. The pastry is then baked or fried to create a crispy and delicious snack or appetizer.
The sambousek that I tried contained spiced ground beef and onions. It was served with a side of tahini sauce, which perfectly complemented the savory flavors of the pastry. The crispy texture of the pastry and the bold and flavorful filling impressed me. It was a satisfying and delicious lunch that left me wanting to try more Lebanese dishes.
As I was enjoying my meal at a Lebanese restaurant, a middle-aged waitress brought this dish to the table and recommended it as a must-try. I took her advice and was pleasantly surprised by the burst of flavors in my mouth.
The pastry is similar to a samosa, but the filling is distinctly Lebanese. The beef is cooked with onions and a blend of spices, including cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. The combination of savory and sweet flavors is simply delightful.
I learned that sambousek is a popular appetizer in Lebanon and is often served during Ramadan and other special occasions. It’s easy to see why it’s so beloved – the crispy pastry and flavorful filling make for a perfect bite-sized snack.
If you’re looking to try something new and delicious, I highly recommend giving meat sambousek a try. It’s a dish that’s sure to please your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
As I was enjoying my sambousek, I heard a loud yelp from the kitchen. I quickly rushed over to see what had happened. One of my staff members had accidentally cut himself while preparing the meat. The other employees immediately took action and helped him clean and bandage the wound.
The delightful sambousek I savored at the restaurant inspired me. Therefore, I decided to recreate it in my kitchen. Once the chaos subsided, I approached the chef at the restaurant and asked for the recipe. Surprisingly, he agreed to give it to me and even shared some tips for making it taste even better.
The dough contains flour, salt, cornstarch, avocado oil (or any neutral oil), and water. The beef filling contains ground beef, onion, salt, 7 spices, black pepper, pomegranate molasses, avocado oil, and pine nuts.
With these ingredients and the chef’s tips, I was able to recreate the restaurant’s delicious sambousek at home.
When I make meat sambousek, I like to serve it with a variety of dishes that complement its flavors. Here are a few of my favorite dishes to serve alongside this dish:
- Tabbouleh: This traditional Lebanese salad contains parsley, tomatoes, onions, and bulgur wheat. Its fresh flavors and crunchiness make it the perfect complement to the savory and rich sambousek.
- Hummus: This creamy and smooth dip contains chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic is a classic Middle Eastern dish that pairs well with meat sambousek. Its nutty and tangy flavors balance out the richness of the meat.
- Baba Ganoush: This smoky and flavorful dip contains roasted eggplant, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice is another great side dish to serve with the sambousek. Its creamy texture and earthy flavors complement the sambousek perfectly.
- Fattoush: This Lebanese salad contains mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and crispy pita chips. Its tangy dressing makes it a refreshing and light side dish that pairs well with the rich and savory sambousek.
- Labneh: This creamy and tangy strained yogurt is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine. Its mild and slightly sour flavor makes it a great side dish to serve with the sambousek.
These are just a few of the many dishes that can accompany this dish. Experiment with different flavors and textures to find your perfect combination.
Ingredients:
To make delicious meat sambousek, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Here’s what I used:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of cornstarch
- 1/4 cup of avocado oil (or any neutral oil)
- 1/2 cup of water (add more if needed, I used 2 additional tablespoons)
For the beef filling, you’ll need:
- 12 ounces of ground beef
- 1 onion
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of 7 spices
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 teaspoons of pomegranate molasses
- 2 tablespoons of avocado oil
- 2 tablespoons of pine nuts
I recommend using these exact measurements for the best results but feel free to adjust them to your liking.
How To Make Meat Sambousek?
- In a deep bowl, combine flour, salt, cornstarch, oil, and ½ cup water. Mix well, adding water gradually until dough forms. Shape into a ball, dust with flour, and let it rest for 30 minutes covered.
- While the dough is resting, I heat une tablespoon of avocado oil in a skillet and add the pine nuts, cooking them until they are golden brown. I then finely chop an onion and brown the ground beef in a skillet until it is no longer red. I add the chopped onion and two tablespoons of avocado oil and sauté for about five more minutes until the onion is translucent. I then add seven spices, salt, and black pepper and cook for two more minutes. To finish, I add two teaspoons of pomegranate molasses and incorporate the toasted pine nuts.
- After the dough has rested, I divide it into two balls for easier rolling, ensuring to keep one covered while working with the other. I turn the dough ball onto a floured surface and, using a rolling pin, roll it out thin to about ¼ inch thick. Using a biscuit cutter or glass cup, I cut 3–4-inch rounds and place one tablespoon of the meat filling in the middle of each dough round. I then fold them in half and seal the edges with my fingers by pressing the dough together.
- There are two techniques to close the sambousek. The first is to twist the edges and press down to make an excellent design, while the second technique is to use a fork and press down on the sealed edges for an even tighter seal.
- To deep-fry the sambousek, I heat u pot of any neutral frying oil to 350F degrees and deep-fry the sambousek for about 2-3 minutes on each side. If the sambousek is frozen, I may need to add minute to each side. Alternatively, for air-frying the sambousek, I apply non-stick spray on both sides and position it on the air-fryer rack (or a parchment paper-lined rack for easier cleaning). Air-fry at 350°F for 5 minutes. I then increase the temperature to 390, flip the sambousek over, and cook for 3 more minutes.
Serving Suggestions for Meat Sambousek
When it comes to serving this dish, there are a variety of options that can elevate this dish to the next level. Here are a few suggestions that I recommend trying out:
- Dipping Sauces: Sambousek pairs perfectly with a variety of dipping sauces. Some popular options include tzatziki, hummus, or a spicy harissa sauce. These sauces can add an extra layer of flavor and texture to the dish.
- Salad: A fresh salad is a great way to balance out the richness of the meat sambousek. A simple salad that contains greens, cucumber, and tomato with a lemon vinaigrette can be a refreshing accompaniment.
- Pickled Vegetables: Pickled vegetables, such as turnips or beets, are a common side dish in Middle Eastern cuisine. The tangy, acidic flavor can help cut through the richness of the sambousek.
- Mint Yogurt: A cool and refreshing mint yogurt can be a great addition to the dish. Simply mix plain yogurt with chopped fresh mint and a pinch of salt for a delicious sauce.
Overall, there are many ways to serve sambousek that can enhance its flavor and texture. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite!
Common Variations of Meat Sambousek
When it comes to meat sambousek, there are many variations that you can try. Here are some of the most common ones:
Ground Meat Sambousek
The most common variation of meat sambousek is made with ground meat. You can use beef, lamb, or a combination of both. The meat is usually seasoned with a blend of spices, including cumin, coriander, and allspice. Some recipes also call for the addition of onions, garlic, and parsley. The meat mixture is then wrapped in dough and fried until crispy.
Cheese and Meat Sambousek
Another popular variation of meat sambousek contains cheese and meat. This version is usually made with a combination of ground meat and cheese, such as feta or mozzarella. Add the cheese to the meat mixture, wrap it in dough, and fry it until golden brown.
Chicken Sambousek
If you prefer chicken over beef or lamb, you can make sambousek using ground chicken. Season the chicken with a blend of spices, including cumin, paprika, and garlic powder. Wrap the meat mixture in dough and fried until crispy.
Vegetable Sambousek
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can make sambousek using vegetables. It contains potatoes, onions, and peas. Cook the vegetables and mash them together with spices, such as cumin and coriander. The mixture is then wrapped in dough and fried until crispy.
Spicy Sambousek
If you like your food with a kick, you can add some heat to your sambousek by adding chili peppers or hot sauce to the meat mixture. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top of the sambousek before frying.
Overall, there are many variations of meat sambousek that you can try. Whether you prefer beef, lamb, chicken, or vegetables, there’s a sambousek recipe out there for you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, meat sambousek is a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. With its crispy exterior and flavorful filling, it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
One of the best things about it is its versatility. You can use a variety of meats and spices to create different flavor profiles, making it a great option for those who like to experiment in the kitchen.
Another great thing about meat sambousek is that it is relatively easy to make. With just a few basic ingredients and some simple steps, you can have a batch of these tasty treats ready to go in no time.
Overall, I would highly recommend giving it a try. Whether you are hosting a party or just looking for a tasty snack, it is sure to be a hit. So why not give it a go and see for yourself? You won’t be disappointed!
