Iraqi Cheese Sambousek
Crispy golden pastries filled with a savory, herb-scented Middle Eastern cheese blend.
Ingredients
- •2 cups all-purpose flour (250g)
- •1/3 cup vegetable oil
- •1/2 cup warm water
- •1/2 teaspoon salt
- •1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- •1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- •2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- •1 large egg, lightly beaten (for sealing and brushing)
- •2 cups vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt, then mix in the vegetable oil and warm water until a smooth dough forms.
- 2
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until pliable, then cover and let it rest for 20 minutes.
- 3
In a medium bowl, mix together the crumbled feta, shredded mozzarella, chopped parsley, and half of the beaten egg to create the filling.
- 4
Divide the rested dough into small equal pieces and roll each piece into a thin circle on a floured surface.
- 5
Place a spoonful of the cheese filling in the center of each dough circle.
- 6
Brush the edges of the dough with the remaining beaten egg, fold it over to form a semicircle, and press the edges firmly to seal.
- 7
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
- 8
Fry the sambousek in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
💡 Chef tips
- You can assemble the sambousek ahead of time and freeze them unbaked on a tray before transferring them to a bag for storage.
- Ensure the edges are sealed tightly to prevent the cheese from leaking out into the hot oil during frying.
- Substitute fresh mint for parsley in the filling for a traditional Iraqi variation.
✅ How it should turn out
Golden brown and blistered on the outside with a piping hot, stretchy, and savory cheese center.