Pazarske Mantije with a Twist

Ingredients

• For the dough: For the dough:
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (125g) whole wheat flour 1 cup (125g) whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (240ml) warm water 1 cup (240ml) warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 4g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, and salt for the dough. Gradually add the warm water and olive oil, mixing until a smooth dough forms. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, tomatoes, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
3. 3.
   Stir in the paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper to the filling mixture. Allow the flavors to meld together for a few minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
4. 4.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
5. 5.
   Divide the dough into small balls, approximately the size of a golf ball. Roll out each ball into a thin circle.
6. 6.
   Place a spoonful of the filling onto one half of the dough circle. Fold the other half over the filling and press the edges together to seal.
7. 7.
   Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling.
8. 8.
   Place the filled pastries on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. 9.
   Serve the Pazarske Mantije 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 turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative.
• Bell pepper — Choose a bell pepper with vibrant colors for added visual appeal. Feel free to use different colored bell peppers to enhance the presentation.
• Tomatoes — Opt for ripe tomatoes to ensure a burst of freshness in the filling.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes to the filling mixture.
• Serve Pazarske Mantije with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for a creamy and tangy contrast.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
• These pastries can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven for a quick and satisfying meal.
• Pair Pazarske Mantije with a fresh salad for a complete and well-balanced meal.

Serving advice

Serve Pazarske Mantije warm as an appetizer or a main course. Accompany it with a side of yogurt or sour cream for dipping.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Pazarske Mantije on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or dill, to add a pop of color. Serve them individually or stacked for an eye-catching presentation.