Hanım Göbeği - Albanian Style

Ingredients

In this Albanian adaptation of Hanım Göbeği, we incorporate traditional Albanian spices and flavors to give the dish a unique twist. The filling is made with a combination of ground beef, onions, and a blend of Albanian spices, which adds a distinct flavor profile to the dish. Additionally, instead of using a traditional Turkish dough, we use a flaky pastry dough that is commonly used in Albanian cuisine. The result is a delicious fusion of Turkish and Albanian culinary traditions. We alse have the original recipe for Hanım göbeği, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 cup (120ml) cold water 1/2 cup (120ml) cold water
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons honey

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat: 25g (Saturated Fat: 12g)
• Carbohydrates: 35g (Sugars: 5g)
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the cold water and mix until the dough comes together. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes smooth. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent. Remove from heat and let it cool.
4. 4.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
5. 5.
   Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface into a thin sheet. Cut out circles using a round cookie cutter or a glass.
6. 6.
   Place a spoonful of the ground beef mixture onto each dough circle. Fold the dough in half and seal the edges by pressing with a fork.
7. 7.
   Place the filled pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
8. 8.
   Remove from the oven and drizzle the pastries with honey while they are still warm.
9. 9.
   Serve the Albanian Style Hanım Göbeği warm and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Make sure to use lean ground beef for a healthier option. You can also substitute it with ground lamb or a combination of beef and lamb for a richer flavor.
• Albanian spices — If you can't find specific Albanian spices, you can use a combination of paprika, cumin, and dried oregano to replicate the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or mushrooms.
• Serve the Hanım Göbeği with a side of fresh salad or yogurt for a complete meal.
• Experiment with different fillings such as cheese and spinach for a vegetarian option.
• Make sure to seal the edges of the pastries properly to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
• If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes to the filling mixture.

Serving advice

Serve the Albanian Style Hanım Göbeği warm as an appetizer or a main dish. Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro for added freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Hanım Göbeği on a platter and drizzle some additional honey on top for an attractive presentation. Sprinkle some paprika or dried oregano for a pop of color.