Lady Fingers

Lady Fingers

These simple to make Lebanese savoury treats will impress your loved ones or guests. They are perfect for entertaining or as a delicious meal or snack. Ultimately, eat them whenever you want!

Ingredients

  • 1 Packet of Pampas Filo Pastry
  • 500gms minced Lamb (not lean)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Herbie's Baharat Spice Blend or
    • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
    • ½ teaspoon ground allspice
    • ½ Ground Cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • Olive Oil
  • 100mls Melted Butter

What you’ll need

  • 1 large Pan
  • 1 Clean tea towel
  • 1 large baking tray
  • 1 small bowl
  • Pastry brush

Method

Toast the Pine nuts in a dry pan until golden brown then remove and set aside.

In the same pan add a drizzle of olive oil and saute the onions and the spices on a medium heat for 5 minutes then add the lamb, turn the heat up to a medium-high heat and continue to for another 5 minutes then stir in the pine nuts and remove from the heat to cool to room temperature (about 15-20mins).

To make the Lady Fingers, Cut the filo sheets into quarters then cover with the tea towel to prevent drying out.

Get 2 sheets at a time (remembering to cover the rest), and lay on top of each other with a painting of melted butter in-between.  

Place the sandwiched filo and place pointing long-ways away from you then add a tablespoon of the filling 1cm from the beginning in the form of a small sausage. Roll from end over the filling twice then fold in each side into the centre then roll until it get to the end. Paint the end with a little more butter then seal.

Repeat the process with the remaining filling - you should get around 25 ladies' fingers.

To cook, place a sheet of baking paper onto the baking tray - brush the sheet with a little olive oil (or even better spray) and then arrange the ladies fingers on top. Brush or spray the fingers with a little extra oil and then bake in a preheated 180°C for around 20 minutes or until golden brown.

© Tim Elwin 2013