Afghan Piggy Bun

Ingredients

The Afghan Piggy Bun differs from the original Chinese version by incorporating Afghan spices and flavors. The filling is made with ground lamb instead of pork, and Afghan spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric are used to season the filling. This adaptation adds a unique and aromatic twist to the traditional Chinese dish. We alse have the original recipe for Piggy Bun, so you can check it out.

• For the dough: For the dough:
• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 1 pound (450g) ground lamb 1 pound (450g) ground lamb
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup (60ml) water 1/4 cup (60ml) water
• 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh cilantro 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh cilantro

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt for the dough. Mix well.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the warm water and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms.
3. 3.
   Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   In the meantime, prepare the filling. In a skillet, cook the ground lamb over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
6. 6.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
7. 7.
   Stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
8. 8.
   Pour in the water and simmer for 10 minutes, until the flavors are well combined. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro.
9. 9.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
10. 10.
    Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a small circle.
11. 11.
    Place a spoonful of the lamb filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling and pinch to seal.
12. 12.
    Arrange the stuffed buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
13. 13.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown.
14. 14.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground lamb — Make sure to cook the ground lamb thoroughly to ensure it is fully cooked and no longer pink.
• Cumin — Toasting the cumin seeds before grinding them will enhance their flavor.
• Coriander — Use freshly ground coriander seeds for the best flavor.
• Turmeric — Be careful when handling turmeric as it can stain surfaces and clothing easily.
• Fresh cilantro — If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with fresh parsley for a milder flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a spicier filling, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the lamb mixture.
• Serve the Afghan Piggy Buns with a side of yogurt sauce or chutney for added flavor.
• These buns can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven before serving.
• Experiment with different fillings such as ground beef or chicken for variety.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground lamb with cooked lentils or chickpeas.

Serving advice

Serve the Afghan Piggy Buns warm as a main course or as a delightful appetizer. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a side of yogurt sauce or chutney for dipping.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Afghan Piggy Buns on a platter, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves for an appealing presentation. Serve them alongside a bowl of yogurt sauce or chutney to enhance the visual appeal.