Homemade Latvian Pīrādziņi

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 cup (120g) sour cream 1/2 cup (120g) sour cream
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 200g bacon, diced 200g bacon, diced
• 200g mushrooms, sliced 200g mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup (100g) grated cheese (such as cheddar or gouda) 1 cup (100g) grated cheese (such as cheddar or gouda)
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Nutrition

• Calories: 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 22g (Saturated Fat: 11g)
• Carbohydrates: 28g (Sugar: 1g)
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and use your fingertips to rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. 2.
   Add the sour cream to the flour mixture and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough lightly until it comes together. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté the onions until translucent. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and become golden brown. Remove from heat and let it cool.
4. 4.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. 5.
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles from the dough.
6. 6.
   Place a spoonful of the bacon and mushroom filling onto one half of each dough circle. Top with grated cheese and season with salt and pepper.
7. 7.
   Fold the other half of the dough circle over the filling and press the edges together to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
8. 8.
   Place the filled hand pies onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg wash.
9. 9.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the Pīrādziņi are golden brown and crispy.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bacon — Choose a high-quality bacon with a good balance of fat and meat for the best flavor.
• Mushrooms — Use fresh mushrooms and slice them evenly for even cooking and distribution in the filling.
• Cheese — Opt for a flavorful cheese like cheddar or gouda, which melts well and adds richness to the filling.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, replace the bacon with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
• Experiment with different fillings such as sauerkraut, ground meat, or even sweet fillings like apple or berry compote.
• Serve Pīrādziņi with a dollop of sour cream or a side of fresh salad for a complete meal.
• These hand pies can be made in advance and reheated in the oven for a quick and satisfying snack.
• If you prefer a crispier crust, brush the Pīrādziņi with melted butter before baking.

Serving advice

Serve the Pīrādziņi warm as a snack, appetizer, or even a main course. They are delicious on their own or accompanied by a side of sour cream for dipping.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Pīrādziņi on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or dill, to add a pop of color. Serve them alongside a bowl of sour cream for dipping.