Armenian Stuffed Flatbread

Ingredients

• For the flatbread: For the flatbread:
• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 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 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
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat: 25g (Saturated: 9g)
• Carbohydrates: 30g (Sugar: 2g)
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar and yeast in warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
3. 3.
   Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   In the meantime, prepare the filling. 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.
6. 6.
   Add the parsley, ground cumin, paprika, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let the filling cool.
7. 7.
   Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
8. 8.
   Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 4 equal portions. Roll out each portion into a thin circle.
9. 9.
   Place a generous amount of the cooled filling on one half of each circle, leaving a small border around the edges.
10. 10.
    Fold the other half of the circle over the filling and press the edges firmly to seal.
11. 11.
    Transfer the stuffed flatbreads onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
12. 12.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the flatbreads are golden brown.
13. 13.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. If desired, you can substitute ground lamb or a combination of beef and lamb for a more traditional flavor.
• Fresh parsley — Make sure to finely chop the parsley to evenly distribute its flavor throughout the filling.
• Ground cumin — Toasting the cumin seeds before grinding them will enhance their aroma and flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling mixture.
• Serve the Armenian Stuffed Flatbread with a side of yogurt or tzatziki sauce for a refreshing contrast.
• Experiment with different fillings such as cheese, spinach, or mushrooms to create your own variations.
• If you prefer a softer flatbread, brush the tops with melted butter before baking.
• Leftover flatbreads can be reheated in a toaster oven or skillet for a quick and delicious meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Armenian Stuffed Flatbread warm as a main course accompanied by a fresh salad or pickled vegetables. It can also be enjoyed as a delightful appetizer or snack.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some sesame seeds or nigella seeds on top of the flatbreads before baking. This will add a touch of visual appeal and a subtle nutty flavor.