Experience the heartwarming flavors of the Baltic region with our Filled Baltic Pies recipe. These delectable hand-held pastries, known as “Pirukad” in Estonia, are a cherished culinary tradition. Picture a flaky, golden crust enveloping a savory filling of ground meat, mashed potatoes, carrots, and aromatic spices – it’s a symphony of taste in every bite.
Perfect for family dinners or picnics, these pies are both comforting and convenient. The buttery pastry, combined with the hearty filling, creates a satisfying meal that transports you to the charming streets of the Baltic coast.
In just a few simple steps, you can recreate this Baltic classic at home, filling your kitchen with the enticing aroma of freshly baked pies. Explore our easy-to-follow recipe and discover why Filled Baltic Pies are a beloved favorite in Baltic and Scandinavian cuisine.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Filling
- 1 lb ground beef or pork
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups boiled potatoes, mashed
- 1 cup boiled carrots, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions
For the Dough
- In a bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour and salt.
- Add the cold, diced butter to the flour mixture. Utilizing a pastry cutter or your fingertips, incorporate the butter into the flour until the mixture takes on the texture of coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the sour cream and mix until the dough starts to come together.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it until it forms a smooth ball. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes.
For the Filling
- In a frying pan, warm a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and garlic, and cook until they turn translucent.
- Add the ground meat and cook until it’s browned and cooked through. Break it into small crumbles as it cooks.
- Stir in the mashed potatoes, grated carrots, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for a few more minutes until the mixture is well combined and heated through. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Assembly
- Before you begin, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- Take the chilled dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large, thin rectangle, about 1/8 inch thick.
- With a circular cookie cutter or a glass, create round shapes by cutting through the dough. Place a spoonful of the meat and vegetable filling in the center of each circle.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges with a fork to seal them tightly. You can also make a decorative edge by twisting the dough with your fingers.
- Place the filled pies on the prepared baking sheet.
Baking
- Brush the tops of the pies with a beaten egg or a bit of milk to give them a golden color when baked.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown and crispy.
Serving
- Once baked, let the Filled Baltic Pies cool for a few minutes before serving. They are delicious when served warm.
Recipe Tips
- Keep the dough and filling cold while assembling the pies to ensure a flaky and tender crust.
- Experiment with different fillings like mushrooms, cabbage, or cheese to create your own unique variations.
- Make mini-sized pies for a party or gathering; they’re a hit as finger food.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the meat with a mixture of mushrooms, spinach, and feta cheese for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Seafood Twist: Swap out the meat for a combination of smoked salmon and cream cheese for a Baltic-inspired seafood pie.
- Sweet Filled Pies: Use a sweet pastry dough and fill it with fruit preserves or Nutella for a delightful dessert variation.
How to Store
- Refrigeration: To refrigerate Filled Baltic Pies, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For freezing, arrange the pies on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag or an airtight container. Label with date and freeze for up to 2 months.
How to Reheat
- Oven Reheating: To reheat in the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C), place the frozen or refrigerated pies on a baking sheet, and bake for about 15-20 minutes until they’re heated through and the crust is crisp.
- Microwave Reheating: For a quick microwave reheat, place a refrigerated pie on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel, and microwave in 30-second intervals until hot.
- Stove Reheating: On the stove, warm a refrigerated pie in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat, flipping occasionally until it’s heated throughout and the crust is crispy again.
What To Serve With Filled Baltic Pies
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with dill and sour cream complements the savory pies.
- Sauerkraut: The tangy and crunchy sauerkraut provides a nice contrast to the rich pies.
- Lingonberry Jam: A dollop of lingonberry jam adds a sweet and tart element to your meal.
- Pickles: Pickled vegetables like gherkins or pickled mushrooms make for great side dishes.
- Mashed Potatoes: If you can’t get enough potatoes, serve these pies with a side of creamy mashed potatoes.
- Beet Salad: A colorful beet salad with a vinaigrette dressing adds a healthy and vibrant touch to your plate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Flavorful: Filled Baltic Pies are bursting with savory flavors that warm your heart and soul.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual gathering, these pies are a versatile crowd-pleaser.
- Homemade Goodness: Making them from scratch allows you to control the quality of ingredients.
- Freeze for Later: Prepare a batch and freeze some for those busy days when you need a quick and satisfying meal.
Conclusion
Filled Baltic Pies offer a delightful taste of Baltic cuisine with their hearty fillings wrapped in golden, flaky pastry. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a picnic, these pies are sure to satisfy your taste buds. Give them a try, and you’ll be transported to the charming streets of the Baltic region with every bite.
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Filled Baltic Pies Recipe
Servings: 4
Calories: 400kcal
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Filling
- 1 lb ground beef or pork
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups boiled potatoes, mashed
- 1 cup boiled carrots, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions
For the Dough
- In a bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour and salt.
- Add the cold, diced butter to the flour mixture. Utilizing a pastry cutter or your fingertips, incorporate the butter into the flour until the mixture takes on the texture of coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the sour cream and mix until the dough starts to come together.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it until it forms a smooth ball. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes.
For the Filling
- In a frying pan, warm a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and garlic, and cook until they turn translucent.
- Add the ground meat and cook until it's browned and cooked through. Break it into small crumbles as it cooks.
- Stir in the mashed potatoes, grated carrots, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for a few more minutes until the mixture is well combined and heated through. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Assembly
- Before you begin, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- Take the chilled dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large, thin rectangle, about 1/8 inch thick.
- With a circular cookie cutter or a glass, create round shapes by cutting through the dough. Place a spoonful of the meat and vegetable filling in the center of each circle.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges with a fork to seal them tightly. You can also make a decorative edge by twisting the dough with your fingers.
- Place the filled pies on the prepared baking sheet.
Baking
- Brush the tops of the pies with a beaten egg or a bit of milk to give them a golden color when baked.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown and crispy.
Serving
- Once baked, let the Filled Baltic Pies cool for a few minutes before serving. They are delicious when served warm.
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