Feteer Baladi
Egyptian Layered Pastry
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.
🧂 Ingredients
- 400 g All-purpose flour(Approximately 3 cups)
- 150 g Samna (clarified butter or ghee)(Melted, plus extra for brushing. Can substitute with unsalted butter, but ghee provides the most authentic flavor.)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 180-200 ml Water(Lukewarm, approximately 3/4 to 1 cup, adjust as needed for dough consistency.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add the lukewarm water while mixing with your hands or a dough hook until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. Cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This resting period is crucial for gluten development, making the dough easier to stretch.
⏱️ 10 minutes active, 30 minutes resting - 2
Divide and shape the dough: Divide the rested dough into 4 equal portions. On a clean, lightly floured surface, flatten each portion into a disc. Generously brush the surface of each disc with melted samna (ghee). Stack the discs on top of each other, brushing samna between each layer. Gently press down on the stacked discs.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 3
Stretch the dough: This is the most critical step for achieving flaky layers. Working with one stacked portion at a time (or all at once if you are experienced), carefully stretch the dough from the center outwards, using your knuckles or fingertips. Aim to stretch it as thinly as possible without tearing, creating a large, translucent sheet. The dough should be almost transparent, allowing you to see the surface beneath. If it resists stretching, let it rest for a few more minutes.
⏱️ 15-20 minutes - 4
Fold and shape for baking: Once stretched very thin, brush the entire surface with more melted samna. Fold the edges of the large dough sheet towards the center, creating a rectangular or square shape, ensuring multiple layers. You can fold it like an envelope or roll it up like a Swiss roll, then coil it into a spiral. The key is to create many layers within a compact form.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 5
Bake the Feteer: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the shaped feteer onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the top generously with melted samna. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the feteer is golden brown, puffed up, and visibly flaky. The layers should separate and crisp up beautifully.
⏱️ 20-25 minutes - 6
Serve: Remove the feteer from the oven and let it cool slightly for a few minutes before serving. It is best enjoyed warm.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The quality of samna (ghee) significantly impacts the flavor and texture.
- ✓Don't be afraid to stretch the dough very thin; this is key to achieving the characteristic flaky layers.
- ✓If the dough tears slightly, it's usually not a problem, as the layers will still form.
- ✓Feteer Baladi is traditionally served warm with honey, molasses, or a variety of cheeses (like feta or akkawi).
- ✓The more folds and layers you create, the flakier the feteer will be.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Sweet Feteer: Add a sprinkle of sugar and cinnamon to the layers before folding, or serve with honey, jam, or powdered sugar.
- Savory Feteer: Incorporate fillings like spiced ground meat (hawawshi style), cheese, vegetables, or herbs between the layers before folding.
- Individual Feteers: Make smaller versions by dividing the dough into more portions.