Klepe - Croatian Dumplings with a Twist

Ingredients

• For the dough: For the dough:
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup (60ml) water 1/4 cup (60ml) water
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 1 lb (450g) ground chicken 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
• 1 cup (150g) mushrooms, finely chopped 1 cup (150g) mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• For the sauce: For the sauce:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz/400g) crushed tomatoes 1 can (14 oz/400g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat: 12g (4g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 40g (4g sugars)
• Protein: 26g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, eggs, water, and salt. Mix until a smooth dough forms. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes elastic. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. 2.
3. 3.
   In the meantime, prepare the filling. In a skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent. Add the ground chicken and mushrooms, and cook until the chicken is no longer pink and the mushrooms have released their moisture. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and let it cool.
4. 4.
5. 5.
   Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it is about 1/8 inch thick. Cut the dough into small squares, approximately 2 inches in size.
6. 6.
7. 7.
   Place a small spoonful of the chicken and mushroom filling in the center of each square. Fold the dough over the filling to form a triangle, and press the edges firmly to seal.
8. 8.
9. 9.
   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. Remove the dumplings with a slotted spoon and set aside.
10. 10.
11. 11.
    To prepare the sauce, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant and golden. Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
12. 12.
13. 13.
    Serve the cooked dumplings with the tomato sauce, garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken — Make sure the ground chicken is fully cooked before using it as a filling. This ensures food safety and enhances the flavor of the dish.
• Mushrooms — Finely chop the mushrooms to ensure they blend well with the ground chicken and create a harmonious filling.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of chili flakes to the filling or sauce.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices in the sauce to customize the flavor to your liking.
• Serve the Klepe with a side of sour cream or yogurt for a creamy and tangy contrast.
• Leftover Klepe can be refrigerated and reheated the next day for a delicious lunch or dinner.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground chicken with crumbled tofu or cooked lentils.

Serving advice

Serve the Klepe hot, with the tomato sauce generously spooned over them. Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch. Pair with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to complete the meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Klepe neatly on a serving platter, allowing the triangular shape to be visible. Drizzle some extra tomato sauce over the dumplings for an appetizing presentation. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color.