A weary traveler purchasing fataya (Senegalese hand pie) from a street vendor.
Street vendors are a welcome sight for the weary traveler. You can get a quick snack, something to drink, fresh fruit, and even sunglasses from the comfort of your bus or upon reaching your final destination.
Fataya are a common offering from vendors. A savory street food, these delicious hand-pies are commonly filled with seasoned fish, onions, along with generous herbs and spices. Easily modified to fit your tastes, you can substitute chicken or even seasoned chickpeas for the fish. For the more brave eaters, top with kaani sauce (a hot pepper sauce often made with Scotch Bonnet peppers).
Photo Credit: Jolof Cooking
Fataya Recipe:
Dough
2-3 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt (more or less to taste)
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 cup oil
1 egg
1/2 cup water
Filling:
2 TBS oil + additional oil for frying
1/2 onion, finely chopped
1 pound ground meat (white fish, chicken, or substitute vegetarian option)
1-2 Maggi cube (or sub bullion to taste)
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
2 TBS parsley, fresh
1 TBS basil, fresh
1 TBS cilantro, fresh
2 TBS green onion, finely chopped
jalapeno, chopped (optional)
salt and pepper
Instructions:
Combine the 1 1/2 cups flour and remaining dough ingredients in bowl.
Stir in as much of the remaining flour as you can, and kneaduntil you have a smooth dough (adding more flour as needed - approx 8-10 min).
Set dough aside and let rest, covered.
In a large skillet or pan heat oil, add onion and meat - stirring frequently until meat is nearly cooked.
Add remaining ingredients and continue to cook until meat is cooked all the way through.
Roll dough into 3 inch round circles (approx 1/8 inch thick). Spoon a small portion of filling onto middle of dough, you want to leave enough dough to close the circle.
Fold the dough over to form a half circle and seal by pressing on edge with a fork.
Fry in extra oil until the outside is golden brown.
Enjoy!