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Indulgent Flaky Lamb Pastry
Zoey

Indulgent Flaky Lamb Pastry that Everyone Will Love

This flaky lamb pastry harmonizes savory spices and sweetness, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Prep Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 8-9 sheets Phyllo pastry (Store-bought is recommended)
  • 4 tablespoons Butter (Mix with olive oil for best results)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil (Extra virgin is ideal)
  • 1 pound Ground lamb (Can be replaced with beef, chicken, or turkey)
  • 1 medium Onion (Finely diced)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (Freshly minced)
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin (Toast for enhanced flavor)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Cinnamon (Toast for enhanced flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika (Toast for enhanced flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon Red pepper flakes
  • 0.25 cup Pine nuts (Can swap for walnuts or leave out)
  • 0.25 cup Dried currants (Fresh pomegranate arils can be used)
  • 0.25 cup Fresh parsley (Chopped)
  • 1 large Egg (For wash)
  • 2 tablespoons Sesame seeds (Can be omitted)
  • 1 tablespoon Nigella seeds (Optional but recommended)

Equipment

  • large skillet

Method
 

Instructions
  1. In a large skillet, brown the ground lamb for 6-8 minutes until fully cooked. Drain excess fat, add onions and garlic, and sauté for 4-5 minutes until onions are soft.
  2. Stir in cumin, cinnamon, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, and cook for an additional minute. Mix in toasted pine nuts, dried currants, and chopped parsley, then let cool.
  3. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine melted butter and olive oil in a small bowl. Grease a baking dish and layer 8-9 sheets of phyllo pastry, brushing each with butter-oil mixture.
  4. Spread the cooled lamb filling evenly over the phyllo base, maintaining about a 1-inch border around the edges.
  5. Layer another 8-10 sheets of phyllo on top, brushing each with butter-oil. Score the top layers into portions, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle sesame and nigella seeds on top.
  6. Bake for 40-45 minutes, rotating halfway through until golden and crisp. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.