Mpanate - Sicilian Stuffed Bread

Ingredients

• For the dough: For the dough:
• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 7g (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast 7g (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 tsp sugar 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt 1 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp olive oil 3 tbsp olive oil
• 250ml (1 cup) warm water 250ml (1 cup) warm water
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 300g (10.5 oz) ground meat (beef, pork, or a combination) 300g (10.5 oz) ground meat (beef, pork, or a combination)
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 100g (3.5 oz) cheese (such as caciocavallo or provolone), grated 100g (3.5 oz) cheese (such as caciocavallo or provolone), grated
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 7g)
• Carbohydrates: 50g (Sugars: 3g)
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
3. 3.
   Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In a skillet, cook the ground meat over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened.
6. 6.
   Stir in the diced tomatoes, parsley, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, then remove from heat and let it cool.
7. 7.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Divide the dough into small portions and roll each one into a circle or oval shape.
8. 8.
   Spoon a generous amount of the filling onto one half of each dough portion, leaving a border around the edges.
9. 9.
   Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press the edges together to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
10. 10.
    Place the stuffed breads on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground meat — Ensure the meat is cooked thoroughly to avoid any foodborne illnesses. Use lean meat for a healthier option.
• Caciocavallo or provolone cheese — If these cheeses are not available, you can substitute them with other semi-hard cheeses such as mozzarella or cheddar.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, replace the ground meat with cooked lentils or mushrooms.
• Experiment with different fillings such as spinach and feta cheese or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian twist.
• Serve the Mpanate warm as an appetizer or as a main course accompanied by a fresh salad.
• Leftover Mpanate can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain its crispiness.
• Customize the filling by adding your favorite herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences.

Serving advice

Serve the Mpanate warm, either as an appetizer or a main course. Accompany it with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or basil on top of the Mpanate before serving. Cut it into slices or wedges to showcase the beautiful filling.