Culture Global Cuisines

Bichak (Stuffed Afghan Pastries)

Bichak (Stuffed Afghan Pastries)
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You can get both sweet and savory versions of these triangular treats, which are folded pastries filled with cheese, meat, jam, or fruit. This version is of the classic meat and onion variety.This recipe is courtesy of whats4eats.
Servings
10
servings
Ingredients
  • 1/4 cup lukewarm water
  • 1 package active dry yeast (about 1/4 ounce)
  • 3 1/2 cup flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/4 cup water
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 2 tablespoon oil (or 3, if needed)
  • 2 onions, finely chopped
  • 1 pound ground beef or lamb
  • salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
  1. Mix the lukewarm water and yeast together in a small bowl and set aside for 5 to 10 minutes to activate the yeast.
  2. Add 3 cups of the flour and the salt to large mixing bowl. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the yeast mixture, 1 1/4 cups water, beaten egg, and oil.
  3. Stir with a wooden spoon to mix the ingredients and bring the dough together.
  4. Remove the dough to a floured work surface and knead, adding extra flour as needed, until the dough is no longer sticking to your hands and is silky and elastic.
  5. Place the dough in a large, lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and set in a warm corner until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
  6. While the dough is rising, make the meat filling (see below) and preheat oven to 350°F.
  7. Once the meat has been prepared, remove the dough from bowl, move to a lightly-floured work surface, and punch it down with your fists to deflate it.
  8. Cut the dough in two and roll the out half the dough into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick. Use a cookie cutter or large glass to cut the dough into 3 or 4-inch rounds.
  9. Place 1 or 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture into the middle of a round. Fold the bottom of the dough up over the filling then fold down the top on each side to form a triangle. Pinch the edges together to form a seam and seal in the filling.
  10. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling. Place the bichak on a greased baking sheet.
  11. Beat the egg yolks with a little water and and brush the top of each pastry with the egg wash.
  12. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the pastries are lightly browned and cooked through.
  13. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high flame.
  14. Add the onions and saute until they are cooked down and translucent, 4 or 5 minutes.
  15. Add the ground meat and saute, breaking up large chunks, until cooked through, about another 6 or 7 minutes.
  16. Drain any excess fat, season to taste with salt and pepper and set aside to cool.
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