Fataya (Beef Pastries)
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.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Water
- 1/4 cup Vegetable oil(plus more for frying)
- 1 tsp Baking soda
- 1.5 tsp Baking powder
- 2 pinches Salt
- 1 pound Ground beef
- 1/2 small Onion(finely chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 cube Jumbo cube or bouillon(crumbled)
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Parsley(fresh, chopped)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
For the dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add water and oil, mixing with your hands until a dough forms. Knead briefly until smooth. Cover and let rest for at least 30 minutes.
- 2
For the filling: In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off excess fat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, crumbled bouillon cube, black pepper, and chopped parsley. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- 3
Divide the dough into 8-10 equal portions. Roll each portion into a thin circle (about 6 inches in diameter).
- 4
Place a spoonful of the beef filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a border. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
- 5
Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the fatayas in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the dough is not too wet or too dry for easy handling.
- ✓Don't overfill the fatayas to prevent them from bursting during frying.
- ✓Fry at the correct temperature to ensure they are crispy and not greasy.
🔄 Variations
- Use seasoned fish (like tilapia or cod) or chicken for the filling.
- Add finely chopped bell peppers or chili for extra flavor.
- Serve with a spicy pepper sauce (like kaani sauce).