Meat dumplings with mushrooms

Delicious meat and mushroom pouches are a savory dish that combines the soft texture of meat with the intense flavor of mushrooms. This simple and quick recipe is ideal for a special dinner or to impress guests. We will go through each step together, ensuring that we achieve a perfect result.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 500 g pork chop (or chicken, as preferred)
- 200 g mushrooms (champignon or other preferred mushrooms)
- 1 medium onion
- 2-3 cloves of garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh if available)
- 200 g cheese (preferably telemea or mozzarella)
- 1 egg (to bind the mixture)
- 4-6 sheets of pastry or tortillas (optional, for a crispier version)

Preparation:
1. Start by preparing the meat. Cut the chop into thin slices, about 5 mm, to achieve a tender texture. Use a meat mallet to lightly pound them, making them even thinner and allowing them to absorb the spices' flavors. Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the slices.

2. In a pan, add the tablespoon of olive oil or butter and heat over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan, along with dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Sauté the mushrooms for 5-7 minutes until they lose volume and become soft. Let the mushroom mixture cool slightly.

4. In a bowl, combine the sautéed mushrooms with the crumbled cheese and beaten egg. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.

5. Now, let’s form the pouches. Take each slice of meat and place a tablespoon of the mushroom filling in the center. Fold the meat into a pouch, ensuring that the filling is well covered.

6. If you desire a crispy crust, you can wrap each pouch in pastry sheets or tortillas. Make sure to seal the edges well using the beaten egg.

7. Place the pouches on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. You can brush them with a little olive oil to achieve a golden and appetizing crust.

8. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the pouches for 20 minutes, or until they become golden and crispy.

Serving:
Serve the pouches hot, alongside a fresh salad or mashed potatoes. You can also add a yogurt sauce with dill to balance the flavors.

Variation suggestions:
For a vegetarian version, replace the chop with slices of eggplant or zucchini and fill them with a mixture of mushrooms and cheese.

This recipe for meat and mushroom pouches is not only simple but also offers a unique taste, perfect for any occasion. Try it and enjoy every bite!