Berenklauw with Spiced Meat Filling

Ingredients

• For the pastry: For the pastry:
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (60g) whole wheat flour 1/2 cup (60g) whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 cup (120ml) ice water 1/2 cup (120ml) ice water
• For the meat filling: For the meat filling:
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the egg wash: For the egg wash:
• 1 egg, beaten 1 egg, beaten

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat: 28g (Saturated Fat: 14g)
• Carbohydrates: 32g (Sugar: 1g)
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, and salt for the pastry. Add the cold cubed butter and use your fingertips to rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the ice water, a little at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a 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 and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent.
4. 4.
   Stir in the paprika, cayenne pepper, nutmeg, cloves, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and let the filling cool.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
6. 6.
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut out circles of dough, approximately 4 inches in diameter.
7. 7.
   Place a spoonful of the meat filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal the pastry.
8. 8.
   Place the filled pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the beaten egg wash.
9. 9.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and crispy.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. If desired, you can substitute ground pork or a mixture of beef and pork for a different flavor profile.
• Paprika — Opt for smoked paprika to add a smoky undertone to the meat filling.
• Whole wheat flour — If you prefer a lighter texture, you can use only all-purpose flour instead of a combination of all-purpose and whole wheat flour.
• Nutmeg and cloves — Grate whole nutmeg and use freshly ground cloves for the best flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier filling, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of chili flakes.
• Serve Berenklauw with a dollop of tangy Dutch mustard for an authentic flavor.
• Make a larger batch of the meat filling and freeze it for future use in other dishes like meatballs or stuffed peppers.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices in the meat filling, such as rosemary or smoked paprika, to create your own unique twist.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a mixture of cooked lentils and mushrooms.

Serving advice

Berenklauw is best served warm as an appetizer or main course. Accompany it with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Serve with a side of Dutch mustard for dipping.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden brown Berenklauw pastries on a platter, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves. The half-moon shape of the pastries adds an elegant touch to the presentation. Serve them alongside a colorful salad to create a visually appealing dish.