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Egyptian Beef Phyllo Pie Recipe

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4.5 from 83 reviews

Egyptian Beef Goulash, also known as Phyllo Beef Pie, is a savory layered pastry dish featuring spiced ground beef or lamb, aromatic herbs, nuts, and tamarind paste, all baked between flaky phyllo dough sheets. This comforting and flavorful pie is perfect for a hearty meal and showcases traditional Egyptian flavors with a crunchy golden crust.

Ingredients

Phyllo and Pastry

  • 250g (8 oz) phyllo dough sheets, thawed overnight (about 8 sheets)
  • 120ml (1/2 cup) melted butter, olive oil, or a mix of both

Meat Filling

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large white onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
  • 500g (18 oz) ground beef or lamb
  • 1 tbsp baharat, 7-spice, or 9-spice blend
  • 1 tsp nutmeg, preferably freshly grated
  • 50g (1.7 oz) slivered almonds or pine nuts, toasted
  • 2 tbsp tamarind paste
  • Salt to taste

Egg Wash

  • 250ml (1 cup) full-fat milk
  • 1 large egg

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a baking dish with melted butter or olive oil to prevent sticking and to add richness to the crust.
  2. Cook Onions: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
  3. Add Garlic and Thyme: Stir in the minced garlic and chopped fresh thyme leaves. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef or lamb to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking the meat apart with a spoon to avoid clumps and ensuring even cooking throughout.
  5. Season the Meat Filling: Season the meat mixture with baharat spice blend, salt, and freshly grated nutmeg. Mix in the toasted slivered almonds or pine nuts and stir in the tamarind paste. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes to meld flavors, then remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
  6. Prepare the Phyllo Layers: Brush the base of the greased baking dish with melted butter. Lay half of the phyllo sheets in the dish, brushing each sheet generously with melted butter before adding the next to create a layered, flaky crust.
  7. Add Meat Filling: Spread the cooled meat mixture evenly over the phyllo base layer, smoothing it out to distribute the filling evenly.
  8. Top Phyllo Layer: Layer the remaining phyllo sheets over the meat filling, again brushing each sheet with melted butter to ensure a crisp, golden crust.
  9. Score the Top: Using a sharp knife, lightly score the top layer of phyllo into squares or diamonds. This helps with portioning and prevents the pastry from puffing unevenly while baking.
  10. Apply Egg Wash: In a bowl, whisk together the full-fat milk and large egg until combined. Pour this egg wash evenly over the pie to add color and richness to the crust.
  11. Bake the Goulash: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Bake until the top is golden brown and crisp, signaling that the pie is fully cooked.
  12. Rest and Serve: Remove the goulash from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows the filling to settle and makes slicing easier. Cut along the scored lines and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • For best results, thaw phyllo dough overnight in the refrigerator and keep covered with a damp cloth while working to prevent drying out.
  • You can substitute ground lamb for beef to make the recipe more traditional.
  • To toast the nuts, dry fry them on medium heat in a skillet until they are fragrant and golden brown, taking care not to burn them.
  • If tamarind paste is unavailable, a mixture of lemon juice and a pinch of brown sugar can be used as a substitute, although the flavor will differ slightly.
  • Use fresh nutmeg for a more pronounced and aromatic flavor.
  • This dish pairs well with a side of plain yogurt or a fresh salad to balance its richness.

Find it online: https://ameliameals.com/egyptian-beef-phyllo-pie-recipe/