Pittsburgh-style Mini Meat Dumplings

Ingredients

In this Pittsburgh-style adaptation, we have incorporated local flavors and ingredients to create a unique twist on the traditional Azerbaijani dish. While the original Dushbara is typically served in a clear broth, we have added a touch of Pittsburgh by using a rich, hearty broth. Additionally, we have adjusted the seasoning to include flavors commonly found in Pittsburgh cuisine, such as garlic and black pepper. We alse have the original recipe for Dushbara, so you can check it out.

• For the dumplings: For the dumplings:
• 250g (8.8 oz) ground beef 250g (8.8 oz) ground beef
• 250g (8.8 oz) ground pork 250g (8.8 oz) ground pork
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1 egg, beaten 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup water 1/4 cup water
• Salt for boiling water Salt for boiling water
• For the broth: For the broth:
• 4 cups beef broth 4 cups beef broth
• 1 small onion, chopped 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 18g, 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 2.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, dried oregano, paprika, and beaten egg. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, combine the flour and water to make a smooth dough. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes elastic. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 15 minutes.
3. 3.
   Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface until it is about 1/8 inch thick. Cut the dough into small squares, approximately 1 inch by 1 inch.
4. 4.
   Place a small amount of the meat mixture in the center of each dough square. Fold the dough over the filling to form a triangle and press the edges firmly to seal.
5. 5.
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully drop the dumplings into the boiling water and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
6. 6.
   While the dumplings are cooking, prepare the broth. In a separate pot, combine the beef broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the broth to a simmer and let it cook for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. 7.
   Once the dumplings are cooked, remove them from the boiling water using a slotted spoon and transfer them to the simmering broth. Let the dumplings simmer in the broth for an additional 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
8. 8.
   Serve the Pittsburgh-style Mini Meat Dumplings hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy them as a comforting and flavorful dish!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef and pork — Ensure that the meat is fresh and of high quality to enhance the flavor and texture of the dumplings.
• Fresh parsley — Finely chop the parsley just before using to retain its vibrant color and fresh taste.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smoky flavor, you can add a small amount of smoked paprika to the meat mixture.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture.
• Serve the dumplings with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for added creaminess.
• Freeze any leftover dumplings for a quick and delicious meal later on.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the dumplings to your liking.

Serving advice

Serve the Pittsburgh-style Mini Meat Dumplings in individual bowls, ensuring that each serving has a generous amount of the flavorful broth. Accompany the dumplings with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

Garnish the dumplings with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top to add a pop of color. Serve them in a shallow bowl, allowing the dumplings to be the star of the dish. The rich broth should be visible, enticing the senses with its aroma.