Potato and green onion pies

Potato and Green Onion Pies – A Comforting and Delicious Recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8 pies

Introduction

Potato and green onion pies are a classic dish that evokes pleasant childhood memories when their delicious aroma filled the house. These pies are perfect for a family meal, a picnic, or even as an appetizer for various festive occasions. Additionally, they are very versatile – you can adapt them to your tastes or the ingredients available.

In this recipe, I will show you step by step how to make the most delicious pies filled with potatoes and green onions, with a fluffy and aromatic dough.

Ingredients

*For the dough:*
- 500 g wheat flour (preferably type 650 for a softer texture)
- 25 g fresh yeast (or 7 g dry yeast)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Warm water (about 250 ml, but adjust as needed)

*For the filling:*
- 1 kg potatoes (choose varieties that boil well, such as white potatoes)
- 20 green onion stalks (you can also use regular onions, but green onions provide a fresher flavor)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Oil for sautéing the onions (preferably sunflower or olive oil)

Preparation

1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, sift the flour to aerate it. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the crumbled yeast. Add a tablespoon of warm water and stir a little until the yeast dissolves. Cover the bowl and let the yeast rise for 10 minutes until a foam forms. This step is essential to ensure that the pies will be fluffy.

2. Forming the dough:
Once the yeast has risen, add the salt and start pouring in the water gradually, mixing continuously. Knead the dough until it becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands. If it is too sticky, you can add a little flour. Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size (about 1 hour).

3. Preparing the filling:
While the dough is rising, peel the potatoes and cut them into cubes. Boil them in salted water to make a puree. In a pan, add a little oil and sauté the finely chopped green onions until they become soft and translucent but not too browned. After the potatoes are boiled, drain them and mash them. Add the sautéed onions, season with salt and pepper, and let the filling cool.

4. Forming the pies:
After the dough has risen, divide it into 8 equal pieces. On a floured surface, roll out each piece of dough with a rolling pin, forming discs about 1 cm thick. Place a portion of filling in the center of each disc and lift the edges to form a pie. Make sure to seal the edges well.

5. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a large baking tray with parchment paper and lightly grease it with oil. Place the pies on the tray, leaving a little space between them. Bake the pies for 40 minutes or until they turn golden and nicely browned.

6. Serving:
After baking, remove the pies from the tray and let them cool on a wire rack. They can be served warm or at room temperature.

Useful tips and variations:
- If you want a more intense flavor, you can add crumbled feta cheese to the filling.
- For a vegetarian option, you can add sautéed spinach or mushrooms.
- The pies can be enjoyed with sour cream, yogurt, or garlic sauce for an extra kick of flavor.

Nutritional information:
One serving of pies contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. Potatoes are a good source of complex carbohydrates, and green onions provide essential vitamins like K and C.

Frequently asked questions:
- *Can I use whole wheat flour?*
Yes, but the pies will have a different texture. You can use a combination of white and whole wheat flour for a more complex flavor.

- *How can I store the pies?*
Store the pies in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven to restore their crispy texture.

- *What other recipes go well with the pies?*
These pies are excellent alongside a fresh salad or a light soup. Additionally, a glass of white wine or freshly squeezed lemonade is perfect to complement the meal.

I hope this recipe inspires you to make potato and green onion pies at home! Whether you enjoy them with family or serve them to friends, they are sure to be a hit. Enjoy your meal!