Pastels | Fataya (Senegalese Fish Pies)
Known as pastels, salmon fataya, or simply fatatya, these are delicious fish pies which are a popular street food in Senegal.
The pastels are frequently accompanied by a spicy tomato sauce flavored with onions and garlic. While this traditional Senegalese dish is similar to the Argentinean empanadas, its origins are likely Middle Eastern.
Fatayer are Middle Eastern meat pies which are very popular in Lebanon, Palestine, Kuwait or Saudi Arabia. Given the majority of Senegal’s population is Muslim, there are many cultural and culinary influences from the Middle East.
Enjoy this classic fataya recipe!
Pastels | Fataya (Senegalese Fish Pies)
These delicious fish pies are best enjoyed with a spicy tomato sauce served hot. They are simply delicious!
Ingredients
For the sauce:
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tomato
- 2 tbsp peanut oil
- 2 onions
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 2 seasoning cube
- garlic
- chili
For the dough:
- 400 g all-purpose flour
- 4 tbsp peanut oil
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp salt
For the stuffing
- 2 kg tilapia
- 1 onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 stock fish (pieces)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
Prepare the dough:
- Combine the flour, salt, eggs, oil, and water in a bowl.
- After kneading the dough, form it into small discs (the diameter of a water glass).
To prepare the stuffing:
- Remove the skin then dice the fish.
- Heat the peanut oil in a saucepan and add the fish, chopped garlic, onion, and parsley.
- Sprinkle over some salt and pepper.
Making the sauce:
- Heat oil in a frying pan and cook the tomato paste, roughly chopped tomatoes, onion, garlic, and parsley.
- Add some water, the stock cube, and some pepper. Stir gently, making sure to check for seasoning.
Making the pastel:
- Place some filling on one half of each disc of dough, fold them in half, and use a fork to seal the edges. Fry the pastels for a few minutes.
Notes
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Its origins are not Nigerian but Senegalese due to our Muslim background. Nigerian meat pie is derived from fataya.
Not middle eastern food. It’s origin is the “Nigerian meat pie”. The protein inside the pie could be switched and flavored according to the caterer interest: it could be meat pie(beef), chicken pie or fish pie. The caterer could even add potatoes or any choice of vegetables or onions. It’s origin is from the “Nigerian meat pie”