Armenian-style Stuffed Flatbread

Ingredients

Armenian-style Stuffed Flatbread differs from the original Italian crescentina in its filling and flavor profile. While the Italian version is typically filled with cured meats and cheeses, the Armenian adaptation features a savory mixture of ground meat, herbs, and spices. The Armenian version also incorporates traditional Armenian spices such as cumin and paprika, adding a unique and distinct flavor to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Crescentina, so you can check it out.

• For the dough: For the dough:
• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef or lamb 1 pound (450g) ground beef or lamb
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• For brushing: For brushing:
• 2 tablespoons melted butter 2 tablespoons melted butter

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt for the dough. Gradually add the warm water and olive oil, and mix until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
2. 2.
   In the meantime, prepare the filling. In a skillet, cook the ground beef or lamb over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion becomes translucent. Stir in the ground cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and let the filling cool.
3. 3.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. 4.
   Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 6 equal portions. Roll out each portion into a thin circle, about 6-8 inches in diameter.
5. 5.
   Place a spoonful of the cooled filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press the edges firmly to seal.
6. 6.
   Transfer the stuffed flatbreads onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with melted butter.
7. 7.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the flatbreads are golden brown and cooked through.
8. 8.
   Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef or lamb — Make sure to use lean ground meat for a healthier option. You can also substitute with ground chicken or turkey if desired.
• Fresh parsley — If fresh parsley is not available, you can use dried parsley as a substitute. However, fresh parsley adds a vibrant flavor to the filling.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling mixture.
• Serve the Armenian-style Stuffed Flatbread with a side of yogurt or tzatziki sauce for a refreshing contrast.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices in the filling to customize the flavors to your liking.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground meat with cooked lentils or mashed chickpeas.
• Leftover flatbreads can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or oven to maintain their crispiness.

Serving advice

Serve the Armenian-style Stuffed Flatbread warm as a main course or cut into smaller pieces as an appetizer. Accompany it with a fresh salad or pickled vegetables for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the stuffed flatbreads on a platter, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil. The golden-brown crust and visible filling will make for an enticing presentation.