stuffed potato pies

Stuffed potato pies are delicious, savory pastries filled with a variety of ingredients encased in a crispy, golden potato crust. Here’s a recipe to make them at home:

Stuffed Potato Pies

Ingredients:

For the Potato Dough:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and boiled
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 egg yolk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup flour (plus more for dusting)

For the Filling:

• 1/2 pound ground beef (or ground chicken, turkey, or pork)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, finely grated
• 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/4 cup water or broth
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potato Dough:
   • Mash the boiled potatoes until smooth. Mix in the butter, egg yolk, salt, and pepper. Gradually add the flour, mixing until you have a soft, non-sticky dough. If needed, add more flour until the dough holds together. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Filling:
   • In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until soft and translucent.
   • Add the ground meat to the skillet and cook until browned. Break up the meat as it cooks.
   • Stir in the grated carrot, peas (if using), cumin, paprika, coriander, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes.
   • Add the tomato paste and water or broth. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer until thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Assemble the Potato Pies:
   • Dust your hands and work surface with flour. Take a small portion of the potato dough (about the size of a golf ball) and flatten it into a disc with your hands.
   • Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of the disc. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges to seal the pie. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
4. Fry the Potato Pies:
   • Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
   • Carefully place the stuffed potato pies into the hot oil, cooking in batches if necessary. Fry each side for about 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
   • Remove the pies from the oil and drain on paper towels.
5. Serve:
   • Serve the stuffed potato pies hot, with your favorite dipping sauce or a side of salad.

These stuffed potato pies are versatile and can be filled with a variety of ingredients, from different meats to vegetarian options like mushrooms, cheese, or spinach. Enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or main course!