Sambousek bi Gebna

Name: Sambousek bi Gebna
Yield: makes about 35
Ingredients: 1/2 cup sunflower or vegetable oil; 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted; 1/2 cup warm water; 1/2 teaspoon salt; About 3 2/3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 egg, lightly beaten with 1 teaspoon water, to brush on; Sesame seeds to sprinkle on (optional); 1 pound crumbled or grated cheese such as feta, kashkaval, kasseri, or kefalotyri; try a half-and-half mixture of feta and cottage cheese (well drained) or the mixed Western-cheese variation given on page 131; 2 lightly beaten eggs; White pepper; 3–4 tablespoons chopped herbs such as flat-leaf parsley, mint, or dill

December 9, 2011

In Lebanon the turnovers with meat are the most prestigious, but we in Egypt always made cheese ones. No tea party was ever right without them. The recipe for the dough has been passed down in my family for generations as “1 coffee cup of oil, 1 coffee cup of melted butter, 1 coffee cup of warm water, 1 teaspoon of salt, and work in as much flour as it takes.” We baked the pies, but it was also common to fry them in oil.

Recipe notes

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Rosemary and Dried Cherry Pork Chops

Rehydrating dried cherries in hot water turns them plump and juicy—exactly what you want scattered throughout a rosemary-scented pan sauce for pork chops.

Dulce de Leche

Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

Gochujang Turkey Sweet Potatoes

Fully loaded, meal-prep friendly, and ready to be dressed up, down, or sideways.