Transylvanian pies with baked potatoes and onions

Transylvanian Pies with Baked Potatoes and Onions

Welcome to the world of delicious Transylvanian pies, a traditional recipe that brings a touch of nostalgia and warmth in every bite. These pies are filled with baked potatoes and onions, giving them an irresistible aroma and a soft, fluffy texture. Perfect for a snack, lunch, or even a quick dinner, Transylvanian pies are truly a culinary delight.

Preparation Time: 40 minutes
Baking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Number of Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Dough:
- 200 ml lukewarm milk
- 50 g melted butter
- 10 g coarse salt
- 10 g sugar
- 500 g white flour
- 7 g dry yeast

For the Filling:
- 500 g baked potatoes, coarsely mashed
- 5 g coarse salt
- 1 large onion
- 1 tablespoon olive oil

For Frying:
- Palm oil (or another quality frying oil)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Dough:
Start by preparing the dough. If you have a bread machine, that's perfect! Add the ingredients in the following order: lukewarm milk, melted butter, salt, sugar, flour, and dry yeast. Turn on the machine and let it knead and rise for 1 hour. If you don’t have a bread machine, you can do this manually by mixing the ingredients in a large bowl and kneading them on a floured surface.

2. Preparing the Filling:
Meanwhile, peel the onion and cut it into large slices. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan. Once the oil is hot, add the onion and fry it until golden and fragrant. Don't worry if it gets a little burnt; this will add an even richer flavor. After frying the onion, remove it from the pan and discard it. Use the flavored oil to mix with the mashed potatoes. Stir well and season with salt.

3. Shaping the Pies:
When the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on a work surface and bring the dough to the work table. Divide the dough into balls of about 80 g each. Use a rolling pin to roll each ball into a thin disc. Place a generous spoonful of filling in the center of each dough disc. Push the edges of the dough towards the center, sealing the filling tightly.

4. Frying the Pies:
In a deep pan, heat the palm oil. When the oil is hot, add the pies one by one, being careful not to overcrowd them. Fry them until golden on both sides, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove the pies onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

5. Serving:
These Transylvanian pies are delicious and warm, but their flavor intensifies as they cool. Serve them plain or alongside a cup of milk, yogurt, or buttermilk. A personal idea: for an extra flavor boost, try pairing them with a tomato salad with onion and olive oil.

Practical Tips

- About Potatoes: Use well-baked potatoes as they provide better consistency for the filling. Red potatoes are an excellent choice as they mash easily and have a sweet flavor.
- Onion: If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use green onions or sweet onions, which have a gentler taste.
- Variations: Try adding crumbled feta cheese to the filling for a richer flavor. You can also add herbs or spices like dill or pepper for an extra aroma.

Nutritional Benefits

Transylvanian pies are an excellent source of carbohydrates from potatoes, providing quick energy. Additionally, onions are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, having anti-inflammatory properties and benefits for the immune system. These pies are also a good choice for those looking for a filling dish without being too heavy.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, you can replace part of the white flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier dough.
- How can I store the pies? Keep the pies in an airtight container at room temperature. They can be easily reheated in a pan to retain their crispy texture.
- What other recipes pair well with the pies? These pies pair perfectly with a garlic yogurt sauce or assorted pickles. A warm vegetable soup is also an excellent accompaniment.

So, enjoy the pies! With every bite, you will feel the flavor of tradition and the love for cooking. No matter the occasion, these Transylvanian pies with baked potatoes and onions will not disappoint anyone. Enjoy your meal!