Welcome back, fellow food enthusiasts, to another delightful journey into the heart of OvenEat’s head chef backstage! Today, we’re delving deep into the art of sambousak – those savory, golden parcels of joy that never fail to tantalise our taste buds.
In this blog we unlock the secrets behind crafting the perfect sambousak, from kneading the dough to infusing it with the rich flavors of the Middle East.
Here’s step by step guide explaining you WHAT IS THIS SAMBOUSAK THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT???
Step 1: The Dough – we use traditional recipes and add variations.
The foundation of any great sambousak lies in its dough – a delicate balance of flour, water, and oil that forms the canvas for our culinary masterpiece. Traditional recipes often call for a blend of flour, yeast, and olive oil, yielding a dough that’s both tender and flaky – IT’S VEGAN.
But here’s where the magic happens: the variations. Some bakers opt for a touch of yogurt to add richness, while others swear by the addition of sesame seeds for an extra crunch. At OvenEat we culminate high protein organic flour, fresh yeast, celtic salt and extra virgin olve oil as the base for our dough.
Step 2: Filling Your Sambousak – Welcome to Explore Classic as well Innovative Ingredients!
The filling – where the sambousak truly comes to life. From creamy cheese to veggies, olives…. (what more) the options are as diverse as the Middle Eastern landscape itself. Classic fillings often include a blend of tangy feta cheese, aromatic herbs, and earthy spinach, creating a harmonious melody of flavors with every bite.
But why stop there? At OvenEat, we encourage you to think outside the box and experiment with innovative fillings like roasted vegetables, caramelized onions, or even exotic spices like sumac or za’atar. Let your imagination run wild, and watch as your sambousak transforms into a culinary work of art.
Step 3: Folding Techniques – Creating Beautiful Shapes and Seals.
Now comes the fun part – shaping your sambousak into those iconic crescent moons that we all know and love. Traditional folding techniques involve gently cradling the filling in the center of the dough circle, then folding it over and sealing the edges with a firm press of the fingers.
Step 4: Baking to Golden Perfection – Temperature and Timing Guidelines.
Temperature and timing are crucial here – too hot, and your sambousak may burn; too cold, and it won’t achieve that perfect golden hue. We use our taboon for it.
Taboon moderate temperature is around 375°F to 400°F and we keep a close eye on sambousak as they bake. Generally, they’ll need about 15-18 minutes to achieve that golden perfection, but every oven is different, so trust your instincts and adjust accordingly.
Step 5: Enhancing Flavor Profiles – Seasonings, Spices, and Herbs.
Last but certainly not least, let’s talk about flavour. The beauty of sambousak lies in its versatility – a blank canvas just waiting to be adorned with an array of seasonings, spices, and herbs. From the warmth of cinnamon to the piquancy of cumin, each ingredient adds its own unique touch to the final masterpiece.
The good news is that at OvenEat we have a choice. We always experiment with different flavour combinations to keep the excitement but the traditional base will remain the same.
Come down to bakery to try our special sambousak which the whole town is talking about.
See you soon!