Ukrainian Pagach

Ukrainian Pagach Recipe - Delicious Phyllo Potato Pie

Region / culture: Ukraine | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Ukrainian Pagach is a delicious and savory dish that combines creamy mashed potatoes, onions, and cheddar cheese wrapped in flaky phyllo pastry dough. This dish is perfect for a comforting meal or as a tasty appetizer for a gathering.

History

Pagach has been a traditional dish in Ukrainian cuisine for many years. It is often served during holidays and special occasions, as well as a simple and satisfying meal for everyday dinners. The combination of potatoes and cheese wrapped in pastry dough creates a hearty and flavorful dish that is loved by many.

Ingredients

3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 tbsp margarine
0.5 tsp salt (to taste)
0.25 tsp pepper (to taste)
1 tbsp milk
5 oz (142 g) grated cheddar cheese
1 package phyllo pastry dough
1 egg
coarse salt

How to prepare

Cook the potatoes in boiling salted water until tender, then drain. Sauté the onions until tender as well.
Mash the potatoes and add the onions, salt, pepper, cheese, and milk. Blend well.
Place the thawed phyllo dough on a floured surface and slice it into 2" wide strips. Brush the strips with butter and place a heaping tablespoon of the potato mixture on each strip. Fold the phyllo dough into triangle packages.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
Repeat the previous step with the remaining potato mixture until it is all used up. Brush the triangles with 1 beaten egg and sprinkle them with coarse salt.
Bake at 375°F (191°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Serve with sour cream and bacon bits (optional).

Variations

Add cooked bacon or ham to the filling for added flavor.
Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or feta, for a unique twist.
Add herbs and spices, such as garlic powder or paprika, to the filling for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the potatoes until they are tender to ensure a smooth and creamy texture for the filling.

- Sautéing the onions adds a depth of flavor to the dish.

- Brushing the phyllo dough with butter helps to create a crispy and golden crust.

- Serve the pagach with sour cream and bacon bits for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Ukrainian Pagach as a main dish with a side salad or as an appetizer for a party.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the potatoes until tender.

- Sauté the onions until soft and translucent.

- Brush the phyllo dough with butter before filling and folding.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use puff pastry or pie crust instead of phyllo dough.

- Substitute butter for margarine.

- Use different types of cheese or omit the cheese altogether.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the filling and assemble the pagach ahead of time. Simply cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Ukrainian Pagach on a platter with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of bacon bits for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Ukrainian Pagach pairs well with a crisp green salad, pickles, or sauerkraut.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover pagach in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Ukrainian Pagach contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Ukrainian Pagach contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Ukrainian Pagach contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Ukrainian Pagach contains approximately 7 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Ukrainian Pagach is a good source of vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese, milk, butter) and eggs.

Summary

Ukrainian Pagach is a delicious and satisfying dish that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Ukrainian Pagach is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a creamy potato and cheese filling wrapped in flaky pastry dough, this dish is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It all began when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the secrets of cooking from my own grandmother. She was a wise and talented woman in the kitchen, and I was always in awe of the delicious dishes she could whip up with such ease.

One day, as I sat at her kitchen table watching her knead dough for her famous pierogies, she turned to me with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "I have a special recipe to teach you today," she said, as she reached for a worn and stained index card from her recipe box.

I leaned in eagerly as she began to explain the ingredients and steps for making Ukrainian Pagach. "This is a traditional dish from my homeland," she told me, her voice filled with pride. "It's a savory bread filled with potatoes, onion, and cheese. It's perfect for special occasions and family gatherings."

As she walked me through the process of making the dough, rolling it out, and layering on the filling, I was amazed at how simple yet delicious the recipe seemed. I watched in awe as she expertly folded the dough over the filling and sealed it with a crimped edge.

Once the Pagach was in the oven, filling the kitchen with the tantalizing aroma of baked bread and cheese, my grandmother sat me down at the table with a cup of hot tea. "Now we wait," she said, a smile playing on her lips. "But trust me, it will be worth it."

And she was right. When the Pagach emerged from the oven, golden brown and steaming hot, I couldn't wait to dig in. The first bite was a revelation - the soft, fluffy bread paired perfectly with the creamy potato and cheese filling, creating a symphony of flavors in my mouth. I was hooked.

From that day on, Ukrainian Pagach became a staple in our household. My grandmother would make it for holidays, birthdays, and any time we needed a comforting and delicious meal. And as I grew older and started my own family, I carried on the tradition, passing down the recipe and the love for this dish to my own children.

Over the years, I have added my own touches and variations to the recipe, experimenting with different cheeses, herbs, and even adding in bacon or mushrooms for a twist. But no matter how I change it up, the memory of that first time making Ukrainian Pagach with my grandmother will always hold a special place in my heart.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, preparing to make a batch of Pagach for my grandchildren, I can't help but smile at the thought of passing down this delicious recipe to yet another generation. And as I knead the dough and spread out the filling, I can almost hear my grandmother's voice guiding me through the steps, just like she did all those years ago.

As I pull the Pagach out of the oven, the smell wafting through the air, I know that this recipe will continue to bring joy and connection to my family for years to come. And I am grateful for the gift of cooking that my grandmother gave me, a gift that has brought us closer together and created lasting memories that will never fade.