Sambusaks (Cheese-Filled Pastries)

Ingredients

FOR THE PASTRY

• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups flour
• 1 egg, lightly beaten

FOR THE FILLING

• 2/3 lb feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese
• 2 eggs
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• fresh ground black pepper

Directions

1. 1

   For the Pastry.

2. 2

   Combine butter, oil, and salt in a bowl.

3. 3

   Add 1/2 cup hot water and stir.

4. 4

   Gradually add 2 cups flour.

5. 5

   Turn dough onto a floured surface and work in remaining flour.

6. 6

   Knead until dough holds together; it will be soft.

7. 7

   Form into a ball, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

8. 8

   For the Filling.

9. 9

   Place feta, parmigiano-reggiano, eggs, baking powder, and pepper in a food processor and pulse until light and creamy.

10. 10

    For the Turnovers.

11. 11

    Preheat oven to 375°.

12. 12

    Divide dough into 20 balls.

13. 13

    On a floured surface, roll each ball into a round about 4'' in diameter.

14. 14

    Place a heaping tablespoons of filling in center of each round.

15. 15

    Brush edges with water, fold to enclose filling, then press edges with a fork to seal(Assembled sambusaks may be frozen.)

16. 16

    Place sambusaks on 2 lightly greased cookie sheets, then brush with egg wash.

17. 17

    Bake until golden, 30–35 minutes.