Ichlekli (Turkmen Meat Pie)
🇹🇲 Turkmenistan
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground lamb (or beef, or a mix of both)
- 1 tomato, finely chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tsp salt (for filling)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 8 tbsp water (for filling)
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 tsp salt (for dough)
- 1 1/4 cups water (for dough, approximate)
- 3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
Steps
- Make the dough: combine flour, salt, softened butter, and water in a bowl. Knead until smooth, then cover and let rest.
- Make the filling: mix ground lamb, chopped onion, tomato, bell pepper, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and water until well combined.
- Divide the dough into equal portions and roll each into a thin round.
- Place a portion of the filling in the center of each dough round.
- Fold the edges over the filling and pinch tightly to seal, flattening slightly into a stuffed pie.
- Cook the pies in a dry skillet over low-medium heat, turning occasionally, until the dough is cooked through and golden brown on both sides.
- Serve hot.
Notes
Ichlekli is a traditional Turkmen stuffed flatbread, typically cooked in a tamdyr (clay oven) but easily made in a skillet at home. The long prep time reflects dough resting.
Source: www.internationalcuisine.com