If you're looking for a baking project, these Cypriot hand pies layer yeast dough and an irresistible orange-flavored tahini filling that melts in your mouth.
Preparation Time
1 hr 15 mins
Cooking Time
18 mins
Total Time
1 hr 33 mins
Calories
317 Calories
Recipe Instructions
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2
Combine 1 teaspoon sugar, 1/4 cup water, and yeast together in a small bowl. Stir well with a fork.
Step 3
Sift bread flour and all-purpose flour together in a mixing bowl. Add salt and blend. Pour in yeast mixture. Start adding remaining water gradually; mix until dough comes together. Place dough on a flat work surface and knead until soft and smooth, about 15 minutes.
Step 4
Transfer dough to a lightly greased bowl and cover. Place it a warm spot and let it rise for 45 minutes.
Step 5
In the meantime, prepare the filling. Add remaining sugar, sesame seeds, cinnamon, and orange zest to the tahini. Mix well.
Step 6
Flatten dough gently and cut into 8 equal pieces. Keep dough covered as you work with 1 piece at a time.
Step 7
Repeat step 6 with remaining dough and filling, making 16 hand pies in total. Keep finished pies loosely covered so they rise slightly while you finish the rest.
Step 8
Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 18 minutes.
Step 9
Roll out 1 piece of dough into a 6-inch disk. Place 2 tablespoons of the filling in the middle, gather up the edges in the center, and pinch to seal. Press down to flatten; roll back out into a 6-inch disk. Roll disk into a log about 12 inches long. Cut in half and stretch each piece out to make it a little longer. Roll in both ends towards the center, creating an 'S' shape. Fold 1 spiral over the other and flatten with your palm. Roll out slightly; transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
