Baden-style Savory Pastry

Ingredients

In this Baden-style adaptation, we incorporate the unique flavors and ingredients of Baden cuisine. The traditional Lukhmi filling is enhanced with Baden's signature spices, such as juniper berries and caraway seeds, which add a distinct earthy and aromatic flavor. Additionally, we substitute the traditional ghee with Baden's famous Black Forest ham fat, giving the pastry a rich and smoky taste. We alse have the original recipe for Lukhmi, 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 (115g) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 1/2 cup (120ml) cold water 1/2 cup (120ml) cold water
• 1 tablespoon Black Forest ham fat (substitute with unsalted butter if unavailable) 1 tablespoon Black Forest ham fat (substitute with unsalted butter if unavailable)
• 250g minced meat (beef or pork) 250g minced meat (beef or pork)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground juniper berries 1 teaspoon ground juniper berries
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• Oil for frying Oil for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 20g (12g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 25g (2g sugars)
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the chilled butter cubes and use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
2. 2.
   Gradually add cold water and knead the dough until it comes together. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   In a pan, heat the Black Forest ham fat (or butter) over medium heat. Add the minced meat and cook until browned.
4. 4.
   Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, ground juniper berries, caraway seeds, black pepper, and salt to the pan. Cook for another 5 minutes until the onions are translucent and the spices are fragrant. Remove from heat and let the filling cool.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
6. 6.
   Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Cut out small circles or squares, approximately 4 inches in diameter.
7. 7.
   Place a spoonful of the cooled filling in the center of each pastry circle or square. Fold the pastry over the filling to form a triangle or rectangle shape. Press the edges firmly to seal.
8. 8.
   Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Fry the pastries until golden brown on both sides. Remove from the oil and drain on a paper towel.
9. 9.
   Transfer the fried pastries to a baking sheet and bake for an additional 10 minutes to ensure the filling is cooked through.
10. 10.
    Serve the Baden-style Savory Pastries warm as an appetizer or snack.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Black Forest ham fat — If Black Forest ham fat is not available, you can substitute it with unsalted butter for a similar flavor profile.
• Ground juniper berries — If you can't find ground juniper berries, you can crush whole juniper berries using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the minced meat with mashed potatoes or a mixture of vegetables like peas, carrots, and corn.
• Serve the Baden-style Savory Pastries with a side of tangy sauerkraut for a traditional Baden flavor.
• Experiment with different spices and herbs to customize the filling according to your taste preferences.
• If you prefer a spicier filling, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
• These pastries can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven for a quick and delicious snack.

Serving advice

Serve the Baden-style Savory Pastries as an appetizer or snack. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a side of sauerkraut for a traditional Baden twist.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Baden-style Savory Pastries on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives. Serve them warm to showcase their golden brown crust and enticing aroma.