Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that’s very close to my heart—Lebanese Lady Fingers, or Znoud el Sit. These delicate pastries are a true testament to Lebanese pastry artistry, with crispy, flaky filo dough enveloping a rich, creamy custard filling. Drizzled with fragrant sugar syrup, these sweet treats are an irresistible indulgence perfect for any occasion. Let's dive into this delicious journey!
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to create these delightful pastries:
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion (200g), finely chopped
- 1/4 cup (40g) pine nuts
- 300g lamb mince
- 3 tsp baharat spice mix
- 1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves, finely chopped
- 100g firm feta, crumbled
- 1/4 cup (60ml) pomegranate molasses
- 8 sheets fresh filo pastry
- 100g unsalted butter, melted
- Nigella seeds, for sprinkling
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Yoghurt, for serving
Method
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by heating the olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and pine nuts, cooking for about 5 minutes until the onion is softened.
Next, add the lamb mince to the pan. Cook for another 5 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until the lamb is browned. Stir in the baharat spice mix, salt, and pepper, and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Remove the pan from the heat, then mix in the chopped parsley, crumbled feta, and 2 tablespoons of pomegranate molasses. Set this delicious filling aside to cool completely.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Grease a baking tray and line it with baking paper.
Step 3: Assemble the Pastries
Place a sheet of filo pastry on a clean work surface, with the long edge facing you. Brush the filo sheet with melted butter, then fold it in half widthwise.
Spread 2 heaped tablespoons of the lamb mixture along the short edge closest to you, leaving a 2.5cm (1 inch) border on the sides and bottom. Roll the short edge over the filling to enclose it, then fold in the two longer sides and continue rolling to form a cigar shape. Be careful not to wrap too tightly, as the mixture will expand during baking.
Brush the seam edge with butter to seal it, then transfer the roll to the prepared baking tray. Repeat the process with the remaining filo pastry sheets and filling to make 8 rolls in total.
Step 4: Bake the Pastries
Brush the tops of the rolls with the remaining melted butter and sprinkle with nigella seeds. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon yoghurt into a serving bowl and pour over the remaining 1 tablespoon of pomegranate molasses. Serve the pastries alongside the yoghurt, sprinkled with a pinch of salt.
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Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 pastry
Servings Per Recipe: 8
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 320 | 16% |
| Total Fat | 22g | 34% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 60mg | 20% |
| Sodium | 420mg | 18% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 20g | 7% |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugars | 5g | -- |
| Protein | 12g | 24% |
| Vitamin A | 6% | |
| Vitamin C | 8% | |
| Calcium | 10% | |
| Iron | 15% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs
Final Thoughts
Lebanese Lady Fingers are a wonderful way to bring a touch of Lebanese culinary artistry into your kitchen. The combination of crispy filo pastry, rich lamb filling, and the sweetness of pomegranate molasses is simply divine. Whether you're serving them at a special occasion or enjoying them as a treat for yourself, these pastries are sure to impress.
Happy cooking, and enjoy these little bites of heaven! Don’t forget to share your creations and tag me in your posts. I’d love to see how they turn out!