Lithuanian Meat-filled Pastry

Lithuanian Meat-filled Pastry Recipe - Authentic Dish from Lithuania

Region / culture: Lithuania | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Lithuanian Meat-filled Pastry is a traditional dish that is loved for its savory flavors and hearty filling. This recipe combines a flaky pastry crust with a delicious meat filling, making it a perfect choice for a comforting meal.

History

This recipe has been passed down through generations in Lithuania, where it is a popular dish enjoyed by many. The combination of tender meat and buttery pastry has made it a staple in Lithuanian cuisine.

Ingredients

2 cups flour
0.5 lb (227 g) butter
1 egg
salt and water

Filling

1.5 lb (680 g) boiled meat (from broth)
1 onion
1 egg
2 tbsp bread crumbs
2 – 4 tbsp butter
salt and pepper

How to prepare

Take the first 3 ingredients and add a dash of salt. Knead them together carefully.
Chill the mixture.
Roll out the dough and cut it into circles using a cookie cutter.

Filling

Grind the meat and finely chop the onion. Saute them in butter.
Add the sauteed mixture to the meat and saute again.
Add bread crumbs, a dash of salt, and pepper. If the mixture is dry, add a small amount of broth.
Add the egg and mix well.
Place the filling in the center of the circles and fold them over to make oblong cakes. Brush them with beaten egg and bake in a medium oven.
Serve the cakes warm.

Variations

You can customize the filling by adding different herbs and spices, such as dill or paprika. You can also add vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to chill the dough before rolling it out to ensure a flaky crust.

- Sauteing the meat and onions in butter adds a rich flavor to the filling.

- Brushing the pastries with beaten egg before baking gives them a golden, shiny finish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Lithuanian Meat-filled Pastry with a side salad or pickled vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a flaky pastry crust is to handle the dough gently and not overwork it. Make sure to chill the dough before rolling it out to prevent it from becoming tough.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use ground pork or beef instead of boiled broth for the filling. You can also use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version of this dish.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble and bake the pastries.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Lithuanian Meat-filled Pastry on a platter garnished with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a glass of red wine or a cold beer for a delicious meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover pastries in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Lithuanian Meat-filled Pastry contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Lithuanian Meat-filled Pastry contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Lithuanian Meat-filled Pastry contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Lithuanian Meat-filled Pastry contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

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

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat, eggs, and dairy.

Summary

Lithuanian Meat-filled Pastry is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Lithuanian Meat-filled Pastry is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy meal at home. With a flaky pastry crust and a savory meat filling, it is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day in Lithuania, and I was visiting my friend Sofija in her small village. We were sitting in her cozy kitchen, sipping on tea and chatting about life when she suddenly brought out a plate of the most delicious-looking pastries I had ever seen.

I couldn't resist asking her what they were, and she smiled mischievously before revealing that they were Lithuanian Meat-filled Pastries, a traditional dish that her grandmother used to make. My mouth watered at the thought of trying them, and I begged her to teach me how to make them.

Sofija laughed and agreed, leading me over to her cluttered recipe book that was filled with handwritten notes and scribbles. She flipped through the pages until she found the recipe for the pastries, and then she began to explain the ingredients and steps to me in her gentle voice.

As she spoke, I could tell that this dish held a special place in her heart. She talked about how her grandmother used to make them for special occasions, like holidays and family gatherings. She shared stories of her childhood spent in the kitchen, watching her grandmother knead the dough and stuff the pastries with savory meat fillings.

I listened intently, eager to learn every detail so that I could recreate this magical dish in my own kitchen. Sofija patiently showed me how to mix the dough until it was the perfect consistency, how to shape the pastries into small rounds, and how to fill them with a delicious mixture of ground meat, onions, and spices.

As we worked together, I felt a sense of connection to my own heritage and the generations of strong, resilient women who had come before me. I could almost hear the laughter and chatter of my own grandmother in the kitchen, passing down her knowledge and love through the art of cooking.

After hours of kneading, rolling, and filling, we finally placed the pastries in the oven to bake. The tantalizing aroma filled the kitchen, and I eagerly waited for them to be done. When they emerged golden brown and steaming hot, I knew that I had found a new favorite recipe to cherish and share with my own loved ones.

Sofija and I sat down at the table, breaking open the pastries and savoring each bite. The flaky crust melted in my mouth, while the savory meat filling burst with flavor. I couldn't help but smile as I watched Sofija's eyes light up with joy, knowing that I had successfully learned to make a dish that held so much meaning for her.

As I returned home to my own kitchen, I carried with me not only the recipe for Lithuanian Meat-filled Pastries but also the memories of that day spent with Sofija. I knew that every time I made this dish, I would be honoring her and the traditions of our ancestors.

Over the years, I have made these pastries countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. I have shared them with friends and family, passing down the knowledge and love that Sofija imparted to me that fateful day in her kitchen.

And now, as I sit here writing this story, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of cooking and the connections it brings. The recipe for Lithuanian Meat-filled Pastries may have come from a humble village in Lithuania, but its impact has traveled far and wide, bringing joy and nourishment to all who taste its delicious flavors.