Eliopitakia are a tasty snack from Cyprus. These hand pies are stuffed with a mix of olives and herbs. They show off the love Cyprus has for olives and fresh ingredients. You can enjoy them as an appetizer or snack.
They pair well with a cup of Cypriot coffee or fit nicely on a mezze platter. The dough is made with olive oil, which gives it a nice crumbly texture and a nutty flavor.
The filling usually has kalamata or green olives, onions, fresh mint, and sometimes crushed coriander for a little zing. These pies are simple to make and bake. They can be a fun addition to your cooking.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 1 cup pitted kalamata or green olives, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed coriander seeds (optional)
- Ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a big bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the olive oil and orange juice, mixing until you have a soft dough.
- Knead lightly until it’s smooth.
- Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- For the filling, combine the chopped olives, onion, mint, coriander seeds (if using), and black pepper in a bowl.
- Divide the dough into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.
- Roll each ball into a thin circle on a floured surface.
- Put a small spoonful of filling in the middle of each circle.
- Fold the dough over to make a half-moon shape and press the edges to seal.
- You can crimp the edges with a fork for a nice look.
- Place the pies on the baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes.
- Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.
