Savory Pastries with Potatoes and Green Onions for Lent

Bargau-Style Vegan Potato and Green Onion Pies

These delicious vegan Bargau-style pies are a true delight for the taste buds and a perfect choice for those who want to enjoy a tasty yet healthy dish. With a juicy filling of potatoes and green onions, this recipe is sure to become one of your favorites!

A Brief Introduction

Bargau-style pies are known for their unique preparation method, which involves pinching the opposite corners of the pastry sheet to create a specific shape. While the most popular versions are filled with sweet cheese, the fillings can vary significantly. During fasting periods, potato, cabbage, or mushroom fillings are the most common. In fact, the tradition of making vegan pies reflects the ingenuity and available resources of each season.

Preparation Time

- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Rising time: 30-45 minutes
- Baking time: 20-25 minutes
- Total: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Servings: 16 pies

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 500 grams of white flour
- 25 grams of fresh yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon of fine salt
- 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar
- 300 ml of warm water
- 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil

For the filling:
- 6-8 medium white potatoes
- 1 bunch of green onions
- 3-4 tablespoons of sunflower oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons of sunflower oil, for brushing

Preparation Technique

1. Making the Dough:
- In a large bowl, dissolve the fresh yeast in 300 ml of warm water, adding the sugar as well. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In another bowl, combine the flour with the salt. Add the yeast mixture and sunflower oil. Knead the dough until it becomes elastic and non-sticky, about 5-7 minutes.
- Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 30-45 minutes, or until it doubles in size.

2. Preparing the Filling:
- Meanwhile, peel the potatoes, cut them into cubes, and boil them in a pot with cold salted water. Let them cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and mash them finely. Add 3-4 tablespoons of sunflower oil, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well.
- Clean the green onions, slice them, and add them to the potato filling. Combine the mixture and set it aside.

3. Forming the Pies:
- Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface. Knead it gently for 2-3 minutes to release the air bubbles.
- Divide the dough into 16 equal pieces. Take each piece and roll it into a square shape, leaving the center slightly thicker.
- Place about 2 tablespoons of filling in the center of each piece. Pinch the opposite corners of the dough to form a closed pie.

4. Baking:
- Arrange the pies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or greased with oil, leaving enough space between them to rise.
- Allow the pies to rise for 15-20 minutes, then brush them with sunflower oil.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the pies for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

5. Finishing Touches:
- Once the pies are done, remove them from the oven and place them in a metal container. Cover them with several cotton towels to cool slowly, which will make them softer and fluffier.

Serving and Suggestions

Bargau-style pies can be served warm or cold. They are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even as a main dish. Try pairing them with a fresh salad or a yogurt sauce for an extra burst of flavor. A refreshing drink, such as fruit compote or iced tea, complements them beautifully.

Practical Tips

- Ingredient Temperature: Ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This helps activate the yeast more effectively.
- Fermentation: Avoid direct contact of salt with yeast, as this can inhibit the fermentation process.
- Seasoning: Adjust the spices in the filling to your liking. If you want to add a flavorful note, try oregano or dill.
- Cooling: Allow the pies to cool slowly under a towel to maintain a soft and fluffy texture.

Nutritional Benefits

These pies are rich in carbohydrates from the flour and potatoes, providing sustainable energy. The green onions add important vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin K and vitamin C. Additionally, the recipe is vegan, making it an excellent choice for those following a fasting or vegetarian diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of filling?
Yes, you can experiment with cabbage, mushrooms, or even vegetable combinations, depending on your preferences.

2. How can I store the pies?
The pies can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. You can reheat them in the oven or in a skillet before serving.

3. Can I freeze the pies?
Yes, the pies can be frozen before baking. Place them in an airtight container and freeze. Bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Variations

If you want to experiment, you can add vegan cheese to the filling or fresh herbs for extra flavor. Additionally, for a richer version, try adding some black or green olives to the filling.

Personal Note

For me, vegan Bargau-style pies bring back memories of childhood and moments spent in the kitchen with my grandmother. Each bite is a journey back in time, and I hope you feel the same joy and nostalgia for this traditional recipe. Experiment with the ingredients and adapt it to your taste, and don't forget to enjoy the cooking process!

These vegan Bargau-style pies are not just a simple recipe but also a culinary experience worth sharing. Happy cooking!