Beeshee with a New Jersey Twist

Ingredients

In the original Kazakh beeshee, the filling typically consists of ground beef, onions, and herbs. However, in this Jersey-style adaptation, we incorporate additional ingredients like bell peppers, tomatoes, and a touch of hot sauce to give it a unique twist. These additions add a tangy and slightly spicy flavor profile, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Beeshee, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 cup (120ml) cold water 1/2 cup (120ml) cold water
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, finely chopped 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional) 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Nutrition

• Calories: 450 kcal / 1884 kJ
• Fat: 28g (Saturated Fat: 13g)
• Carbohydrates: 28g (Sugar: 3g)
• Protein: 23g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the cold water to the flour mixture, mixing until the dough comes together. Knead the dough lightly until it forms a smooth ball. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, tomatoes, garlic, paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), hot sauce (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Remove from heat and let the filling cool.
4. 4.
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
5. 5.
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch (3mm). Cut out circles using a round cookie cutter or a glass.
6. 6.
   Place a spoonful of the cooled filling onto each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal the beeshee.
7. 7.
   Place the beeshee on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
8. 8.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the beeshee are golden brown and crispy.
9. 9.
   Serve warm and enjoy the delicious fusion of Kazakh and New Jersey flavors!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. You can also substitute it with ground turkey or chicken.
• Hot sauce — Adjust the amount of hot sauce according to your preference for spiciness.
• Bell peppers — Use a mix of different colored bell peppers for a visually appealing dish.
• Tomatoes — Opt for ripe and juicy tomatoes for the best flavor.
• All-purpose flour — If you prefer a healthier alternative, you can use whole wheat flour instead.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with cooked lentils or mashed potatoes.
• Experiment with different spices and herbs to customize the flavor of the filling.
• Serve the beeshee with a side of sour cream or yogurt for a creamy contrast.
• Make a larger batch and freeze the uncooked beeshee for later use.
• Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top of the beeshee before baking for added texture and flavor.

Serving advice

Serve the Jersey-Style Beeshee warm as an appetizer or a main course. Accompany it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden brown beeshee on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. Serve them alongside a bowl of sour cream or yogurt for dipping.