Huushuur

Huushuur Recipe - Traditional Mongolian Beef Pastry

Region / culture: Mongolia | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Huushuur is a traditional Mongolian dish consisting of deep-fried meat pastries. These delicious treats are perfect for a snack or a meal on the go.

History

Huushuur has been a popular dish in Mongolia for centuries. It is often enjoyed during festivals and celebrations, as well as a quick and easy meal for busy days.

Ingredients

Filling

1 kg of minced mutton or beef, with fat included
3.5 tsp of salt
1 chopped onion
2 crushed cloves of garlic
water for mixing
Combine the filling ingredients into a firm paste.

Dough

4.5 cups of flour
0.5 tsp of salt
water for mixing

How to prepare

Mix the dough ingredients together and knead into a dough. Divide into smaller pieces and roll these into cylinders about 3 cm in diameter. Cut the cylinders into 4 cm lengths.
To assemble:
Take one length of dough and flatten it into a circle. Roll it out until it is 8 to 10 cm wide, with slightly thinner edges. Place 2.5 dessertspoons of meat mixture onto one side of the circle, leaving a space around the edge. Fold the other side over, pinching the edge flat. Leave one corner open and squeeze out the air, then seal the corner. Fold the corner over and pinch again, then work around the edge folding and pinching into a twist pattern. Repeat the process with the remaining filling and dough pieces.
To cook:
Using 2 liters of cooking oil, heat the oil in a wok (make sure the oil comes no higher than 5 cm below the top). Fry three or four pasties at a time for two minutes on each side, until they are brown and the meat is cooked. Serve with tomato ketchup or soy sauce.

Variations

You can customize the filling of Huushuur by adding vegetables like carrots or cabbage, or spices like cumin or paprika for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to seal the edges of the pastries tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out during frying.

- Use a deep fryer or a wok with plenty of oil to ensure the pastries cook evenly and become crispy.

- Serve the Huushuur hot and fresh for the best flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Huushuur can be served with a side of salad or pickles for a complete meal. It is also delicious with a dipping sauce like tomato ketchup or soy sauce.

Cooking Techniques

Deep-frying is the traditional cooking technique for Huushuur, but you can also bake them in the oven for a healthier option.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use ground beef, lamb, or chicken instead of minced fat for the filling of Huushuur. You can also use whole wheat flour for a healthier dough option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the filling and dough ahead of time and assemble the pastries just before frying for a quick and easy meal.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Huushuur on a platter with a garnish of fresh herbs or sesame seeds for an attractive presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Huushuur pairs well with a cold glass of Mongolian milk tea or a refreshing cucumber salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Huushuur can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Huushuur contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Huushuur contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Huushuur contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Huushuur contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Huushuur is a good source of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

Alergens

Huushuur contains wheat and soy as allergens.

Summary

Huushuur is a balanced dish with a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It is a filling and satisfying meal or snack option.

Summary

Huushuur is a delicious and satisfying Mongolian dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a crispy exterior and flavorful filling, these deep-fried meat pastries are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Huushuur. It was a warm summer day in Mongolia, and I was visiting a remote village to learn more about their traditional cuisine. As I wandered through the bustling market, filled with colorful fruits and vegetables, my eyes were drawn to a small stall where an elderly woman was cooking up a storm.

Curious, I approached her and asked what she was making. With a warm smile, she replied that she was preparing Huushuur, a popular Mongolian dish made with minced meat and folded into a crispy pastry. Intrigued, I asked if she would be willing to share her recipe with me. She chuckled and said that she would be happy to teach me how to make it.

We spent the entire afternoon together, as she patiently showed me how to prepare the dough, mix the filling, and fold the pastry into the perfect shape. As we worked side by side, she told me stories of her own grandmother, who had taught her how to make Huushuur when she was just a young girl. The recipe had been passed down through generations, each one adding their own unique twist to make it their own.

As we sat down to enjoy our freshly cooked Huushuur, I could taste the love and history that had gone into making this dish. The crispy exterior gave way to a savory, flavorful filling that warmed my soul. I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly special, a recipe that would become a staple in my own kitchen for years to come.

Since that fateful day in the village, I have continued to perfect my Huushuur recipe, adding my own touches and variations to make it truly my own. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all marveled at the delicious flavors and textures of this traditional Mongolian dish.

Every time I make Huushuur, I am transported back to that warm summer day in the village, where I learned the recipe from a kind, generous woman who shared her culinary secrets with me. I am forever grateful for the experience and the memories that have been created through this simple yet delicious dish.

So if you ever find yourself in Mongolia, be sure to seek out a local market stall or restaurant serving Huushuur. And if you're lucky, you may just stumble upon a kind grandmother like the one I met, who will be more than happy to share her recipe with you. Just be prepared to be amazed by the wonders of this traditional Mongolian dish.