Turks and Caicos Island Style Bortsoki

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Russian Bortsoki is transformed into a Caribbean delight by incorporating local ingredients and flavors. The original recipe is modified by infusing the dough with coconut milk, adding a tropical twist to the dumplings. The broth is enhanced with Caribbean spices and coconut milk, creating a rich and aromatic sauce that complements the dumplings perfectly. The garnish of fresh cilantro and lime wedges adds a tangy and refreshing element to the dish, elevating it to a whole new level of flavor. We alse have the original recipe for Bortsoki, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 120ml (1/2 cup) coconut milk 120ml (1/2 cup) coconut milk
• 1 egg 1 egg
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 240ml (1 cup) coconut milk 240ml (1 cup) coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for serving Lime wedges, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 15g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 4g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, garlic, cilantro, cumin, paprika, turmeric, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, combine the flour, coconut milk, and egg. Stir until a soft dough forms.
3. 3.
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Cut the dough into small squares or circles.
4. 4.
   Take a portion of the ground beef mixture and place it in the center of each dough square or circle. Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges to seal.
5. 5.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
6. 6.
   Add the diced tomatoes and coconut milk to the pot. Stir well to combine.
7. 7.
   Carefully place the filled dumplings into the pot, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through.
8. 8.
   Serve the Bortsoki hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and accompanied by lime wedges for squeezing over the dumplings.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Coconut milk — Shake the can well before using to ensure the cream and liquid are well combined.
• Ground beef — Use lean ground beef for a healthier option. You can also substitute it with ground turkey or chicken if desired.
• Fresh cilantro — Rinse the cilantro thoroughly and pat it dry before chopping to remove any dirt or impurities.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped scotch bonnet pepper to the ground beef mixture.
• For a lighter option, you can steam the dumplings instead of simmering them in the sauce.
• Serve the Bortsoki with a side of coconut rice or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
• If you don't have fresh cilantro, you can substitute it with fresh parsley.
• Leftover Bortsoki can be refrigerated and reheated the next day for a delicious lunch or dinner.

Serving advice

Serve the Turks and Caicos Island Style Bortsoki hot, allowing the flavors to shine. Place a generous portion of the dumplings in a bowl, ladle the tomato and coconut broth over them, and garnish with fresh cilantro. Squeeze lime wedges over the dumplings just before eating to add a tangy kick.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some additional chopped cilantro on top of the Bortsoki just before serving. You can also serve it in individual bowls or on a large platter, allowing the vibrant colors of the dish to shine through.