Meatballs in dough

Stuffed Buns with Meat – A Homemade Delicacy

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Number of servings: 12 buns

Discover the joy of cooking with this recipe for stuffed buns with meat, a perfect choice for a family dinner or a special occasion. These golden, fluffy buns are filled with a savory mixture of meat, onion, and aromatic spices, making them ideal both warm and cold.

A Little History

Stuffed buns have a long-standing tradition, being appreciated in many cultures as a dish that brings family together around the table. Whether served as appetizers or as a main course, these buns are always an excellent choice. They reflect the richness of simple ingredients transformed into something truly special.

Ingredients

For the Dough:
- 800 g flour
- 40 g fresh yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 400 ml warm milk
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 75 g melted butter

For the Filling:
- 500 g minced pork
- 1 medium onion
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon marjoram
- 50 ml red wine
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 50 ml broth (preferably meat)
- 1 egg
- 4 tablespoons breadcrumbs

For the Topping:
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon milk
- poppy seeds (or sesame, cumin, as preferred)

For the Baking Tray:
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing)

Step by Step

1. Preparing the Yeast:
Start by preparing the yeast. In a small bowl, mix 40 g of fresh yeast with 1 teaspoon of sugar and 3 tablespoons of warm milk. Mix well and add 2 tablespoons of flour. Let the mixture rise for 10-15 minutes in a warm place until a foam forms.

2. Preparing the Dough:
In a large bowl, sift 800 g of flour and add the egg, the activated yeast, and gradually the warm milk. Mix gently, then add 75 g of melted butter and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Knead the dough for about 20 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. It may seem like hard work, but the result is worth the effort!

3. Rising the Dough:
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise for 1 hour in a warm place until it doubles in volume.

4. Preparing the Filling:
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a pan, add 2 tablespoons of oil and sauté the chopped onion and garlic until translucent. Add the minced meat and cook until it crumbles, stirring constantly.

5. Seasoning the Filling:
Add salt, pepper, cumin, sweet paprika, and marjoram. Deglaze with 50 ml of red wine, 50 ml of broth, and 1 tablespoon of tomato paste. Let it simmer on low heat for 15 minutes until the liquid reduces. Once the filling cools slightly, add 1 egg and the breadcrumbs, mixing well.

6. Forming the Buns:
After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured work surface and roll it out. Cut the dough into 12 squares. On each square, place a tablespoon of the prepared filling. Lift the edges of the dough and form the bun, sealing them well.

7. Placing the Buns:
Place the buns in the greased baking tray, with the seams facing down. Let them rise for 15 minutes, covering them with a towel.

8. Preparing for Baking:
Preheat the oven to 200°C. Brush the buns with the mixture of egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of milk, then sprinkle poppy seeds on top (or other preferred seeds).

9. Baking the Buns:
Bake the buns for 10 minutes at high temperature, then reduce the temperature to 180°C and continue baking for 40-50 minutes until golden and sounding hollow when tapped on top.

10. Cooling the Buns:
After baking, remove the buns from the oven and cover them with a clean towel to keep them soft. Let them cool for 45 minutes or even an hour.

Serving Suggestions

These stuffed buns with meat are delicious and warm, but they can also be served cold, making them ideal for picnics or snacks. You can accompany the buns with a fresh green salad or a yogurt sauce for added freshness. Additionally, a glass of red wine pairs perfectly with this dish.

Useful Tips

- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for better dough.
- If you prefer a richer filling, you can add vegetables like peppers or mushrooms.
- Experiment with spices and choose combinations that you like best.
- If you don’t have time to knead, you can use a food processor to save energy.

Nutritional Information

These buns are an excellent source of protein due to the minced pork, and whole flour can provide a fiber boost. However, it’s best to consume them in moderation considering the butter and flour content. One bun has approximately 220-250 calories, depending on size and filling.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use another type of meat? Yes, you can use chicken, beef, or even vegetarian meat.
- How can I store the buns? You can keep the buns in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for a week.
- Can I freeze the buns? Yes, after baking, let them cool completely, then you can freeze them. Reheat them in the oven before serving.

I hope you enjoy making these stuffed buns with meat and that they become your favorite in the kitchen! Cooking is an art, and every recipe is a story, so don’t hesitate to add your personal touch. Enjoy your meal!