As I stepped into the Middle Eastern bakery in London, the aroma of freshly baked goods filled my nostrils. My spouse and I had heard about their famous cheese sambousek and we couldn’t wait to try it. The bakery was bustling with customers, and we could see the bakery’s employees pull trays of various pastries and bread out of the oven.
After placing our order, we sat down at a small table and eagerly waited for our sambousek to arrive. As we sipped on our mint tea, we couldn’t help but admire the golden brown crust of the pastries and the generous amount of cheese oozing out of them. Finally, our order arrived, and we took our first bite. The warm, flaky pastry combined with the creamy, salty cheese filling was a match made in heaven.
We quickly devoured the rest of our sambousek, savoring each bite. It was no surprise to us why this bakery was so popular among locals and tourists alike. The sambousek was the perfect snack for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up or a light lunch.
As I was observing the chef prepare the cheese sambousek, suddenly, a fire broke out in the kitchen. The flames were getting bigger and bigger, and I could see that the chef was starting to panic. However, one of the workers acted quickly and put out the fire with a fire extinguisher.
After indulging in the delicious sambousek from my favorite bakery, I knew I had to get my hands on the recipe. I approached the bakery’s main baker and requested the recipe. To my surprise, he agreed to give it to me!
The recipe for the dough includes all-purpose flour, powdered milk, cornstarch, salt, baking powder, vegetable oil, and water. For the cheese filling, you’ll need grated cheese (Akkawi, Nabulsi, or Halloumi), fresh flat-leaf parsley, flour, and nigella seeds. And of course, you’ll need oil for frying. Now that I have the recipe, I can’t wait to try making these cheesy delights at home!
When it comes to serving cheese sambousek, there are many dishes that can complement its flavor and texture. Here are a few of my favorite dishes to serve alongside sambousek:
- Tabbouleh Salad: This refreshing salad contains parsley, tomatoes, onions, and bulgur wheat. Its tangy and herbaceous flavors make it the perfect side dish for cheese sambousek.
- Hummus: This creamy dip contains chickpeas and tahini is a classic Middle Eastern side dish. Its nutty and savory flavor pairs well with the cheesy goodness of sambousek.
- Baba Ganoush: Similar to hummus, baba ganoush is a dip that contains roasted eggplant and tahini. Its smoky flavor and creamy texture make it a great accompaniment to cheese sambousek.
- Fattoush Salad: This salad contains with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and fried pita chips. Its tangy dressing and crunchy texture make it a great contrast to the soft and cheesy sambousek.
- Labneh: This strained yogurt dip is similar to cream cheese in texture and flavor. Its tangy and creamy taste makes it a great pairing for sambousek.
- Pickled Vegetables: Pickled vegetables like turnips, cucumbers, and carrots are a great way to add some acidity and crunch to your cheese sambousek platter.
Whether you’re serving cheese sambousek as an appetizer or a main course, these dishes are sure to enhance your dining experience and leave your taste buds satisfied.
Ingredients:
To make delicious cheese sambousek, I need the following ingredients:
Making the dough:
- 3 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tablespoons of powdered milk (see note above)
- ½ tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- ¼ teaspoon of baking powder
- ⅓ cup of vegetable oil (like corn or sunflower oil)
- 1 cup of water
Making the cheese filling:
- 600g of grated cheese (Akkawi, Nabulsi, or Halloumi)
- 2 tablespoons of fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 1 tablespoon of flour
- ½ teaspoon of nigella seeds
For frying:
- Oil for frying
How to Make Cheese Sambousek?
- To make delicious cheese sambousek, I start by adding all the dry ingredients into a large bowl and mixing them until they are well combined. Then, I add vegetable oil and water and knead the dough until it is soft. I let the dough set for 30 minutes to rest.
- Next, I combine cheese, parsley, flour, and nigella seeds, I create a delightful mixture. The dough is then rolled out and cut into circles using a 9 cm cookie cutter for the sambousek formation. I fill each circle with about 1 tbsp of cheese mixture, making sure to leave the edges empty so that I can seal them properly. Then, I close the circles to form crescent shapes.
- To give the sambousek their classic shape, I braid the edges. If I find this technique hard, I press the edges of a fork against the dough to ensure it is well sealed. Then, I heat the oil in a frying pan and fry the sambousek in batches.
- Finally, I serve the hot sambousek as part of a mezze spread or on their own as a snack.
Serving Suggestions for Cheese Sambousek
If you’re wondering how to serve your sambousek, I’ve got some ideas for you. The great thing about this dish is that it can be served in many different ways, depending on your preferences and the occasion.
One simple way to serve sambousek is as an appetizer. Arrange the sambousek on a platter with some fresh herbs or sliced vegetables, such as cucumber or tomato. You can also serve them with a dipping sauce, such as tzatziki or hummus, for added flavor.
Another option is to serve cheese sambousek as a side dish. They pair well with many different main courses, such as grilled chicken or lamb. You can also serve them alongside a salad or soup for a complete meal.
If you’re hosting a party or gathering, consider serving sambousek as part of a larger spread. Combine them with other appetizers, such as stuffed grape leaves or falafel, for a Middle Eastern-inspired feast. You can also serve them with other finger foods, such as cheese and crackers or fruit skewers.
Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative with your serving suggestions. Try topping your sambousek with different ingredients, such as olives or sun-dried tomatoes, for added flavor and texture. You can also experiment with different dipping sauces or seasonings to find the perfect combination that suits your taste.
Overall, cheese sambousek is a versatile and delicious dish that can be served in many different ways. Whether you’re looking for a simple appetizer or a more elaborate meal, this dish is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.
Variations of Cheese Sambousek
When it comes to sambousek, there are many variations that you can try. Here are a few of my favorites:
Feta Cheese Sambousek
One of the most popular types of sambousek is made with feta cheese. Feta cheese is a salty and tangy cheese that pairs perfectly with the crispy dough of the sambousek. To make this variation, simply mix crumbled feta cheese with chopped parsley and onions, and stuff it inside the dough.
Mozzarella Cheese Sambousek
For a milder flavor, you can use mozzarella cheese instead of feta. Mozzarella cheese is a soft and creamy cheese that melts beautifully inside the sambousek. To make this variation, mix shredded mozzarella cheese with chopped basil and sun-dried tomatoes, and stuff it inside the dough.
Halloumi Cheese Sambousek
If you’re looking for a cheese that has a chewy texture, try using halloumi cheese. Halloumi cheese is a semi-hard cheese that has a unique flavor and texture. To make this variation, mix grated halloumi cheese with chopped mint and green onions, and stuff it inside the dough.
Goat Cheese Sambousek
For a tangy and creamy flavor, goat cheese is a great option. Goat cheese has a distinct flavor that pairs well with the crispy dough of the sambousek. To make this variation, mix crumbled goat cheese with chopped thyme and honey, and stuff it inside the dough.
In conclusion, cheese sambousek is a delicious appetizer that can be made with a variety of cheeses. Whether you prefer a salty and tangy flavor or a mild and creamy flavor, there is a sambousek variation that will suit your taste buds.
Conclusion
As I wrap up my article on cheese sambousek, I must say that this Middle Eastern pastry is truly a delight for cheese lovers. The combination of flaky pastry and gooey cheese filling is simply irresistible.
Throughout my research, I’ve found that there are many variations of sambousek, each with its own unique twist. Some recipes call for feta cheese, while others use a blend of cheeses. Some even incorporate herbs and spices for added flavor.
One thing that all sambousek recipes have in common is that they are relatively easy to make. With a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen tools, anyone can whip up a batch of these savory pastries in no time.
Whether you’re looking for a tasty snack or a party appetizer, cheese sambousek is sure to satisfy you. So why not give it a try and see for yourself? I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
