Gursan - Kyrgyz Delight

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) water 1/2 cup (120ml) water
• 1/2 pound (225g) ground beef or lamb 1/2 pound (225g) ground beef or lamb
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small 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 ground coriander 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs, for garnish Fresh herbs, for garnish
• Yogurt sauce, for serving Yogurt sauce, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 2g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add water and knead until a smooth dough forms. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, mix together the ground meat, chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, salt, and pepper. Ensure the filling is well combined.
3. 3.
   Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it is about 1/8 inch thick. Cut out circles using a round cookie cutter or a glass.
4. 4.
   Place a small spoonful of the meat filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling, pressing the edges together to seal the dumplings.
5. 5.
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully drop the dumplings into the boiling water and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
6. 6.
   Remove the cooked dumplings from the water using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot with yogurt sauce on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground meat — Ensure the meat is well-seasoned and cooked thoroughly to avoid any food safety concerns.
• Fresh herbs — Use a combination of parsley, cilantro, and dill for a vibrant and aromatic garnish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground meat with a mixture of finely chopped mushrooms and tofu.
• Experiment with different spices and herbs to customize the flavor of the filling.
• Serve Gursan with a side of pickled vegetables for a tangy contrast.
• Freeze any leftover dumplings for a quick and delicious meal later on.
• If desired, drizzle melted butter over the cooked dumplings for added richness.

Serving advice

Serve Gursan hot as a main course, accompanied by a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. The tangy yogurt sauce can be spooned over the dumplings or served on the side for dipping.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Gursan dumplings on a platter, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. The vibrant colors of the herbs will add visual appeal to the dish. Serve the yogurt sauce in a small bowl alongside the dumplings for an inviting presentation.