Pepper and Olive Dumplings (Pies): Borak Zaitoon

These delicious hand held dumplings have a savory olive filling, great for appetizers or a first course for a sit down meal.

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Course Appetizer, Dinner, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine Syrian

Servings dumplings

1 Pasta Maker https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009U5OSO/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
1 Proofing Box I use this proofing box all the time, for bread doughs, yeasted dumpling doughs and other things. It works wonderfully and keeps the temperature consistent. https://www.amazon.com/Brod-Taylor-Folding-Proofer-Cooker/dp/B01MEEH0SE/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=2GSX4ZJ61D8UY&keywords=Brod%2B%26%2BTaylor%2BFolding%2BProofer%2B%26%2BSlow%2BCooker&qid=1648128992&sprefix=brod%2B%26%2Btaylor%2Bfolding%2Bproofer%2B%26%2Bslow%2Bcooker%2Caps%2C69&sr=8-1-spons&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFEQkY0RlEyTUhVWUEmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA3NjgyMjFGTTYzTVhQOTNXTk4mZW5jcnlwdGVkQWRJZD1BMDg4MzI4MDFTWjlJRjRDWEdGQk4md2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl&th=1
1 Rolling Pin https://www.amazon.com/Adams-Maple-Plain-Rolling-Dowel/dp/B000IYYG26/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1LL6XKV7RSHII&keywords=j.k.+adams+maple+plain+rolling+dowel&qid=1648299841&sprefix=J.K.+Adams+%2Caps%2C79&sr=8-2
1 4 inch Cookie Cutter https://www.amazon.com/Adams-Maple-Plain-Rolling-Dowel/dp/B000IYYG26/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1LL6XKV7RSHII&keywords=j.k.+adams+maple+plain+rolling+dowel&qid=1648299841&sprefix=J.K.+Adams+%2Caps%2C79&sr=8-2

4 cups King Arthur All-Purpose Flour
½ tsp Sea Salt
2 tsp Instant yeast
1 cup Warm Milk
1 cup EVOO I use the California Olive Oil brand which I find delicious and utilitarian, https://www.amazon.com/California-Olive-Ranch-Everyday-Virgin/dp/B01EM6TJ4A/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1MX082G7IJSKR&keywords=california+olive+oil&qid=1648211787&s=grocery&sprefix=California%2Cgrocery%2C90&sr=1-4

1 TBSP EVOO
1 White onion finely diced
1 Fresh red bell pepper finely diced
1 jarred roasted bell pepper finely diced
2 garlic cloves minced
½ lb Pitted green olives (or sliced olives) finely chopped As I mentioned above try to find Middle Eastern Olives.
¾ tsp Sumac
¼-½ tsp Aleppo chili powder I love this chili powder but if you prefer thigs less spicy, put in ¼ tsp or leave it out. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07YJ3Y2NX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
¼-½ tsp Black pepper ground
Sea Salt as needed to. taste

Place the flour, sea salt and yeast in a stand mixer. Whish well.
Using a dough hook, mix in the oil and milk until a dough ball forms.
Remove the dough ball to a clean flat floured surface and knead until you have s shinny ball.
Place the dough ball in an oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Then place in the proofing box (or in an area that a consistent room temperature). I set my proofing box at around 80 degrees F.
Leave the dough in the proofing box for 1-2 hours.
Remove the dough and punch down on a clean flat floured surface.
Cover the dough with a moist towel.
Take enough dough for 3-4 "skins" and make a "log" of dough. Smash this log into a long strip. The roll it down with a rolling pin thin enough to place in the pasta maker at the 0 setting.
Roll the dough to 2 or 3 (I prefer the 3 setting, but if you want a little thicker skins use 2). Using the 4 inch cookie cutter, cut out the skins, set aside and cover with a moist towel.

Place the EVOO in a fry pan over moderate high heat. When the oil is hot add the onions and cook until fragrant.
Then add the red bell peppers and garlic.
Add the olives, sumac, chili powder and black pepper. Cook until all is fragrant.
Taste and add salt if needed. Mix well, then set aside.

Place 2-3 TBPS of the filling on top of the skins. Fold over in a halfmoon shape. Moisten the edges and seal well. Set them on a parchment covered cookie sheet, with the edge pointing up (see the picture).
Bake for 10-15 minutes at 375 degrees F, until the dumplings start turning golden brown.
Serve them warm or at room temperature.
Serve them with whole cracked olives and lemon wedges on the side.

Keyword appetizers, hand held pies, Olives, Syrian Food

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