22 delicious pastry recipes from around the world
A delightful assortment of traditional Algerian oriental pastries, often prepared for special occasions and holidays. This selection typically includes a variety of almond-based cookies, honey-drenched treats, and intricately shaped sweets, showcasing the rich pastry heritage of Algeria.
A popular sweet pastry from Sétif, Algeria, made from semolina dough filled with dates and flavored with orange blossom water, then fried and soaked in honey syrup.
Ma9roudet Louz, meaning 'almond makroud', is a delightful Algerian pastry from the region of Constantine. Unlike the semolina-based makroud, this version features a rich almond filling encased in a delicate, flaky dough, often flavored with orange blossom water and honey.
Gazelle Horns, or Kaab El Ghazal, are delicate, crescent-shaped cookies originating from North Africa, particularly popular in Algeria and Morocco. They feature a sweet, tender shortcrust pastry filled with a fragrant almond paste, often flavored with orange blossom water and cinnamon. Traditionally, they are coated in powdered sugar.
Pirukad are small, savory pastries filled with seasoned meat. They are a popular snack and appetizer in Estonia, often made with a simple, buttery dough and a flavorful ground meat filling.
Diples are traditional Greek honey scrolls made from thinly rolled fried dough, drenched in a sweet honey syrup, and often topped with crushed walnuts and cinnamon. They are a popular treat during holidays like Christmas and are also served at weddings.
A delightful sweet pastry similar to baklava, this Bosnian apple pie features thin layers of dough filled with chopped apples, walnuts, and warm spices, all soaked in a sweet syrup. It's a rich and aromatic dessert perfect with coffee.
Fataya are savory, deep-fried pastries popular in West Africa, including Burkina Faso. These handheld delights are typically filled with seasoned ground meat, onions, and spices, encased in a crispy, golden-brown dough. This recipe features a flavorful beef filling.
Mhadjeb are thin, savory crepes, often filled with a spiced tomato and onion mixture. They are a popular street food and snack in Algeria, known for their delicious, slightly chewy texture and rich flavor.
A popular Egyptian savory breakfast or snack, this Feteer features incredibly thin, flaky layers of dough generously filled with spiced Egyptian sausage and cheese, baked until golden and crispy.
A savory pastry filled with seasoned meat and onions, baked in a traditional tandoor oven, resulting in a crispy crust and juicy filling. This variation focuses on the samsa baked in a tandoor, distinct from other samsa preparations.
Feteer Baladi is a traditional Egyptian country pastry, renowned for its delicate, flaky layers. This simple yet delicious bread is a staple in rural Egyptian households and can be enjoyed on its own or with various sweet and savory accompaniments.
A rich and celebratory Egyptian nut pastry featuring delicate layers of phyllo dough, a fragrant nut filling, and a sweet, floral syrup. Perfect for special occasions.
Baladi Feteer is a beloved Egyptian country pie, renowned for its incredibly flaky, layered texture. Traditionally made in villages, it can be enjoyed as a sweet treat with honey or sugar, or as a savory base for cheese and other fillings.
Sambusa are Djibouti's version of samosas, crispy fried pastries typically filled with spiced minced meat (often lamb or beef) and onions. They are a popular snack or appetizer, especially during Ramadan.
A beloved Egyptian layered pastry, Feteer Meshaltet, filled with savory white cheese and baked to golden perfection. Its signature flaky layers and rich, melted cheese filling make it a popular choice for breakfast, a hearty snack, or a light meal.
A savory and rich Egyptian pastry featuring layers of crisp phyllo dough filled with spiced ground beef. This dish is distinct from its Hungarian namesake and is a popular comfort food.
A quintessential Jamaican snack, these savory patties feature a flaky, golden crust made with turmeric and filled with a richly spiced ground beef mixture. The filling often includes Scotch bonnet pepper for a touch of heat, along with aromatic spices like thyme and allspice.
A rich and comforting Egyptian bread pudding, often called 'Mother of Ali's' dessert. This version uses puff pastry or croissants soaked in a sweet, creamy milk mixture, studded with nuts, raisins, and coconut, then baked to golden perfection.
A delightful strudel featuring a sweet and nutty poppy seed filling combined with tart apples, all encased in delicate layers of pastry. A perfect dessert or sweet treat.
Puits d'Amour, meaning 'wells of love', are delightful small tartlets originating from Mauritius, influenced by French patisserie. They feature a crisp, buttery pastry shell filled with a rich, creamy vanilla custard and often topped with a glossy glaze or a dollop of jam.
Delicate, crispy phyllo rolls filled with a fragrant almond paste, sweetened and often enjoyed with honey. These are a popular treat, especially during Ramadan.
