Hafalaab - Kyrgyz Delight

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef or lamb 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef or lamb
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (120ml) water 1/2 cup (120ml) water
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 400 kcal / 1674 KJ
• Fat: 20g (Saturated Fat: 6g)
• Carbohydrates: 30g (Sugars: 2g)
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add water while kneading the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meat mixture and cook until the meat is browned and cooked through. Remove from heat and let it cool.
4. 4.
   Divide the dough into small portions and roll each portion into a thin circle. Place a spoonful of the meat filling in the center of each circle and fold it in half, sealing the edges by pressing firmly.
5. 5.
   Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Place the hafalaab in a steamer basket and steam for about 15-20 minutes, or until the dough is cooked through and translucent.
6. 6.
   Serve the hafalaab hot with sour cream or a tangy tomato sauce.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground meat — Ensure that the meat is lean and well-trimmed to avoid excessive fat in the filling.
• Cumin — Toasting the cumin seeds before grinding them will enhance their flavor.
• Dough — Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic to achieve the best texture for the hafalaab.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the meat filling.
• Experiment with different types of ground meat, such as a combination of beef and lamb, to vary the flavor.
• Serve hafalaab with a side of fresh salad or pickled vegetables for a refreshing contrast.
• If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use a colander lined with cheesecloth or parchment paper.
• Leftover hafalaab can be frozen and reheated later for a quick and delicious meal.

Serving advice

Serve the hafalaab as a main course accompanied by a side of sour cream or a tangy tomato sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, for an added burst of freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the hafalaab on a platter, showcasing their crescent shape. Drizzle the sour cream or tomato sauce over the dumplings, and sprinkle some chopped herbs on top for an appealing presentation.