Warm, soft pockets of dough filled with delicious Basturma along with the famous Egyptian cheese- Roomi cheese. These are so filling, they will satisfy even the hungriest of eaters.
Many months ago before my dad passed away, I’ve pledged that I will start taking more care of my blog which meant posting regularly and promptly. One of my goals also was to redesign and re structure my blog, a month later everything fell apart. Since he was gone, everything seems to keep falling and I do not like this … I know I should go on but it just seems hard. On top of that came our unclear decision of moving then not moving ending in us being in an apartment and guess what now!!! we are hunting for another home.. can you believe how crazy we are???
Why I am telling you all this? Just to apologize for falling off the bandwagon like this and promising you, dear reader, that I will do my best, I’ll not let an expected bump in the road to knock me down completely, and I’ll have a serious discussion with the one responsible for this mess, ME.
I remember when my oldest son was 3years old – now 12- was in his first year of school in Egypt, dad used to bring him these delicious oras filled with cheese from the bakery next door and he was calling them circles 🙂 asking my dad to buy them for him every morning as he liked to munch on them while waiting for the school bus t 6:00 in the morning!!! and yes, school buses in Egypt route so early even for preschoolers ….. poor kids.
These soft oras- or circles as my kid used to say- are perfect for any time of the day. Pack them in lunch boxes, have them for breakfast or as a snack, we enjoy them stuffed with cheese for sohoor in the holy month of Ramadan too. They are also freezer friendly just stick them in your freezer and when you are ready to eat them take them out, microwave, let it set for a minute to cool a little then you have it.
Bakery shops in Egypt usually sell them stuffed with cheese or date paste, so you can just stuff them with whatever you want sweet or savory or just serve them plain. For me, they are best enjoyed with a cup of hot black tea.
Here is a short video to show you how to make the stuffed oras….
- 2 cup all purpose flour.
- 1/4 cup ghee.
- 1/4 cup sour cream or greek yogurt.
- 3/4 to 1 cup milk.
- 2tsp dry yeast.
- 2 tsp sugar.
- 1 tsp Baking powder.
- 1/2 tsp salt.
- Optional : 2 tsp anise/fennel seeds or a combination of both.
- For the stuffing: I've used basterma and roomy cheese.Other choices are feta cheese with mint or parsley, prepared minced meat, shredded turkey or chicken , any kind or combination of cheese.
- Start by adding all the dry ingredients together and mix well.
- Add the sour cream and the ghee in a bowl mix until well incorporated.
- Add to the dry ingredients and mix very well.
- Pour milk 1/4 cup at a time and mix gradually.
- Keep adding the milk until you get a soft dough that comes out easily from the bowl and sticks a little to your hands.
- Cover and let it rest for an hour.
- Once the dough has risen, take a small ball,flatten it by hand and place some of your stuffing in the center.
- Fold the edges together and form a ball, press a little to flatten.
- Place in a baking sheet
- Bake in a 375F pre heated oven
- Until golden brown
- will take from 20-30 minutes depending on your oven
- Enjoy!!!
Don’t beat yourself up about posting. Grief like yours takes time so be kind to yourself. Then pass over one of these oras. 🙂
Thanks Maureen for your sweet comment. I just feel that I have to let go somehow.
G’day! First of all, hugs Amrita and while we never forget the special people who we were blessed to have in our hearts…some things just take time!
Thank you for allowing me to learn something new and these look delicious! I wish I could try them right now!
Please try to be a little kinder on yourself and treat yourself like you know you would treat others!
🙂 Thanks Joanne for your kind words. It seems really hard to go on but I think it is just a matter of time.
Life is a series of ups and downs…losing a parent is very hard. Things will get better…sending you hugs.
I love your rolls, they look absolutely perfect!
Kathy, these rolls are really easy and comes handy as a snack or breakfast for the go. Thanks for passing by.
How lovely, these are perfect for young and old alike. It is adorable how your son called them circles when he was younger. By the way one cannot blog all the time, sometimes are things are pressing and take your energy. Just offer delicious recipes like this one when you feel inspired to do so, thanks for this great Ora recipe 🙂
Hi Merryn, Thanks for the comment. I just have tons of recipes ready to go but cannot sit down to post them and I do not like this feeling of helplessness!!!
This recipe sounds so delicious, I would eat one immediately. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Cecillia, Thanks for the comment dear.
You’ve got so much going on at the moment — I wouldn’t worry about the blog. Love to read it, but we all realize life is life. Anyway, such a great recipe! I’d love one — but not at 6 in the morning! 🙂
Why not at 6 in the morning :). These days I’m trying to wake up at 4 and I would love to have some in the fridge for an early snack. Thanks John for your nice comment.
Good too set goals, but blogging should not be a chore. post when you want 🙂 You have had (and still do) a lot on your plate. I have been bad lately too. And wow on those oras, never had one but now I have a craving!
My mom passed away only a few months ago—and I have many days where I am frazzled. I’m glad you’re sharing a recipe that connects to your family. Your dad would love that. Take good care of yourself. xo
These look absolutely delightful! And blogging takes up so much time doesn’t it? It’s easy to fall off the wagon especially when things get really busy.
I was wondering how you put the stuffing inside these rolls- I thought it required having to ‘inject’ the stuffing inside somehow- but your technique looks so easy! Mmmm- I’d go or stuffing some dates into these rolls- Egypt is famous for its dates, isn’t it?
Dear Amira
Hi from Cairo 🙂 can I use the same recipe for a sweet oras masaln bl agwa?
Thx in advance
I love you blog
W Allah yr7am baba w fl gana isa
Layla, sure you can use this recipe for Agwa (date paste) filled one or any other sweet filling like malban. Thankyou for your sweet words.
Oh Amira! Take it easy on yourself! I too have fallen so behind on blogging, but I’m not rushing because I want to enjoy blogging. Go easy on yourself my sister 🙂
I love the idea of these rolls! I’m sure these get gobbled down in no time in a home full of boys 🙂
Hi do you think this dough can be used for spiansh fatayer and maneesh ( zaater flatbreads) thank you for this blog !
I meant spinach fatayer ,, sorry
Mariam, how are you dear? I hope you are doing great.I haven’t tried this dough in such applications BUT if you need a dough for such recipes I HIGHLY recommend this easy 10 minutes dough, I’ve used it a zillion of times before in many stuff anf it never failed me. I hope you give it a go.