Gollash
Egyptian layered phyllo meat pie baked golden.
Gollash (Egyptian Arabic: جلاش) is a baked Egyptian meat pie made from layers of flaky phyllo dough. The filling is a savory mixture of spiced ground beef or lamb. This dish is a common feature of Egyptian cuisine, frequently served at family gatherings and celebrations.
The name *gollash* comes from the thin phyllo pastry used in the recipe, which is related to the Ottoman dessert *güllaç*. To prepare it, cooks first make a filling by sautéing chopped onions until translucent, then browning ground meat with warm spices like allspice and cinnamon. After the meat cools slightly, the pie is assembled by brushing phyllo sheets with melted butter or ghee and layering them in a baking dish. Once several sheets are down, the meat filling is spread evenly, then topped with more buttered phyllo layers. The assembled pie is cut into squares or diamonds. A mixture of milk and beaten eggs, seasoned with salt and pepper, is poured over the cuts to add moisture and richness. Finally, the pie is baked until the phyllo turns crispy and golden brown.
Quick Facts
- Country
- Egypt
- Main Ingredient
- Phyllo dough, minced beef, lamb
- Similar Dish
- Börek
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The word gullāš refers to thin phyllo pastry used to prepare the dish. It is related to the Ottoman güllaç. The preparation of gollash begins with creating a flavorful filling by sautéing finely chopped onions until translucent, then adding ground meat seasoned with warm spices such as allspice and cinnamon. Once the meat is browned and cooked through, it is set aside to cool slightly. To assemble the pie, layers of phyllo dough are brushed with melted butter or ghee and placed into a baking dish. After layering several sheets, the meat filling is spread evenly over the dough. Additional phyllo sheets are layered on top, each brushed with butter or ghee. The assembled pie is then cut into squares or diamonds before baking. A mixture of milk and beaten eggs, seasoned with salt and pepper, is poured over the cut pie to provide moisture and richness. The pie is then baked in a preheated oven until the phyllo turns crispy and golden brown.
Reader's Guide
Gollash is a staple in Egyptian cuisine, often served during gatherings and special occasions. Its significance lies in its use of phyllo dough, a thin pastry related to the Ottoman güllaç, and a savory spiced meat filling typically made with ground beef or lamb. The dish is notable for its preparation method: layers of phyllo are brushed with butter or ghee, filled with seasoned meat, and topped with a milk-and-egg mixture before baking to a crispy golden brown. This meat pie reflects the culinary traditions of Egypt, combining flaky pastry with warm spices like allspice and cinnamon. Its legacy is tied to its role as a celebratory dish, enjoyed at family events and festive gatherings. The recipe's straightforward assembly and rich flavor have made it a recognizable part of Egyptian home cooking, passed down through generations as a comforting and festive food.
Did You Know?
- Gollash is made with thin phyllo pastry called gullāš, related to the Ottoman güllaç.
- The filling is typically ground beef or lamb seasoned with allspice and cinnamon.
- Before baking, a mixture of milk and beaten eggs is poured over the cut pie for moisture and richness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gollash?
Gollash is a traditional Egyptian baked pie built from multiple layers of crisp phyllo pastry wrapped around a seasoned ground-meat filling. It stands as one of the most recognizable dishes in Egyptian home cooking.
What are the main ingredients in Gollash?
The core components include flaky phyllo sheets, spiced ground beef or lamb, sautéed onions, warm spices like allspice and cinnamon, plus butter or ghee, milk, and eggs that help bind the layers together.
Where does the name 'Gollash' come from?
The term traces back to the thin phyllo pastry used in the recipe, sharing a linguistic root with the Ottoman dessert known as güllaç. In Egyptian Arabic, the dish is written as جلاش.
When do Egyptians typically serve Gollash?
It is a staple at family gatherings and special celebrations rather than an everyday meal. The dish carries a strong sense of occasion and togetherness in Egyptian dining culture.
How is Gollash prepared?
Cooks first sauté onions until soft, then brown the ground meat with allspice and cinnamon before letting it cool slightly. The meat is layered between sheets of phyllo, and the whole pie is baked until golden.
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