Kazakh Beeshee Delight

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) lamb or beef, cut into small cubes 500g (1.1 lb) lamb or beef, cut into small cubes
• 2 onions, finely chopped 2 onions, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (120g) whole wheat flour 1 cup (120g) whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the meat, onions, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the meat is evenly coated with the spices. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for more intense flavors.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, and baking powder. Gradually add warm water and knead until a smooth dough forms. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   Divide the dough into small balls and roll each ball into a thin circle.
4. 4.
   Place a spoonful of the marinated meat mixture onto one half of the dough circle. Fold the other half over the filling and press the edges firmly to seal.
5. 5.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Fry the Beeshee until golden brown on both sides, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
6. 6.
   Serve the Beeshee hot and enjoy the delicious flavors of Kazakh cuisine.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lamb or beef — Choose lean cuts of meat for a healthier option. Trim any excess fat before marinating.
• Whole wheat flour — If you prefer a lighter texture, you can replace the whole wheat flour with additional all-purpose flour.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, to the meat mixture.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the marinade.
• Serve Beeshee with a side of plain yogurt or a refreshing cucumber salad to balance the richness of the dish.
• Leftover Beeshee can be reheated in the oven to regain its crispiness.
• Experiment with different fillings, such as adding sautéed mushrooms or grated cheese, to create your own unique variations of Beeshee.

Serving advice

Serve Beeshee as a main course accompanied by a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. It can also be enjoyed as a snack or appetizer during gatherings or special occasions.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden-brown Beeshee on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs for a pop of color. Serve with a side of yogurt or a tangy dipping sauce to complement the flavors.