Phyllo Meat Pie (Egyptian Goulash) Recipe

Introduction

Egyptian Goulash is a delicious phyllo meat pie that combines tender, spiced ground beef with flaky layers of phyllo dough. This savory dish is perfect for gatherings or a comforting family meal, delivering a wonderful blend of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion
• 1.5 pounds lean ground beef
• 1 teaspoon allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste; pink salt recommended)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 packet (16 oz) phyllo dough (thawed)
• 1/2 cup light tasting olive oil
• 1/4 cup ghee or butter, melted
• 1 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until tender.
2. Step 2: Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Stir in allspice, black pepper, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and tomato paste. Cook until the beef is browned and no pink remains. Set aside.
3. Step 3: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
4. Step 4: Melt the ghee or butter in a small saucepan or microwave, then mix in the 1/2 cup olive oil.
5. Step 5: Brush or spray an oven-safe dish with some of the oil mixture. Lay 2-3 sheets of phyllo dough flat in the dish and brush with the oil mixture. Repeat, layering 2-3 sheets at a time and brushing each layer, until you have used half the phyllo package.
6. Step 6: Spread the cooked meat mixture evenly over the layered phyllo.
7. Step 7: Continue layering the remaining phyllo sheets, again brushing each layer with the oil mixture until all sheets are used.
8. Step 8: Cut the assembled pie into squares or diamond shapes before baking.
9. Step 9: In a measuring cup, beat the egg with the milk and season with a little salt and pepper. Carefully pour this mixture over the phyllo, tilting the dish so it spreads evenly.
10. Step 10: Bake for 20-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
11. Step 11: Allow to cool slightly before serving warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use light tasting olive oil to avoid overpowering the flavors of the pie.
• You can substitute ground lamb or turkey for the beef for a different taste.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the meat with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and feta cheese.
• Ensure phyllo dough sheets are kept covered with a damp towel while working to prevent them from drying out and tearing.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a low oven to preserve the crispiness of the phyllo. This dish can also be frozen before baking; wrap tightly and bake from frozen, adding extra baking time as needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen phyllo dough?

Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before using to prevent tearing and ensure even baking.

What should I serve with Egyptian Goulash?

This meat pie pairs well with a fresh salad, yogurt, or a simple cucumber and tomato side to balance the rich flavors.

Phyllo Meat Pie (Egyptian Goulash) Recipe

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Egyptian Goulash, also known as Phyllo Meat Pie, is a savory and fragrant dish made with layers of crisp, buttery phyllo dough filled with a spiced ground beef mixture. This traditional recipe combines warm spices such as allspice, cinnamon, and ginger with tender sautéed onions and lean ground beef, all baked to golden perfection. It’s a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main course that marries flaky textures with hearty, flavorful meat.

• Author: reem
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 24 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Egyptian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Mixture

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1.5 pounds lean ground beef
• 1 teaspoon allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon salt (preferably pink salt, or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

Phyllo Layers and Topping

• 1 packet (16 oz) phyllo dough, thawed
• 1/2 cup light tasting olive oil
• 1/4 cup ghee or butter, melted
• 1 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the ground beef mixture: In a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until tender and translucent. Add the lean ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, then stir in allspice, black pepper, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and tomato paste. Cook the meat mixture until browned and no pink remains. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for baking the pie.
3. Prepare the phyllo oil mixture: Melt the ghee or butter in a small saucepan or microwave. Mix in the 1/2 cup light tasting olive oil thoroughly to create a brushing mixture for the phyllo.
4. Assemble the phyllo layers: Lightly grease your oven-safe dish by brushing or spraying it with the oil mixture. Lay down 2-3 sheets of phyllo dough flat in the dish and brush generously with the oil mixture. Repeat this layering process, 2-3 sheets at a time, brushing each layer until half the phyllo package is used.
5. Add the meat filling: Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the layered phyllo dough.
6. Complete the phyllo layers: Continue layering the remaining phyllo sheets as before, brushing each set of 2-3 sheets with the oil mixture until all sheets are used.
7. Score the dough: Using a sharp knife, cut the assembled pie into squares or diamond shapes to make serving easier after baking.
8. Prepare the milk and egg mixture: In a measuring cup, beat the egg and mix with the milk. Add salt and pepper to taste. Carefully pour this mixture evenly over the phyllo layers, tilting the dish gently in all directions to ensure even absorption.
9. Bake the pie: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden brown and crisp.
10. Serve: Let the pie cool slightly before serving warm to enjoy the perfect blend of flaky crust and savory filling.

Notes

• When working with phyllo dough, keep the sheets covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying out.
• The use of pink salt is optional but recommended for its unique flavor profile.
• You can substitute ghee with butter, but ghee adds a deeper, nuttier flavor.
• Allow the pie to cool slightly to let the filling set, which makes it easier to cut and serve.
• This dish pairs well with a side of fresh salad or yogurt.

Keywords: Egyptian Goulash, Phyllo Meat Pie, Ground Beef Phyllo, Middle Eastern Meat Pie, Spiced Ground Beef, Flaky Phyllo Recipe