Pitica - Romanian Savory Pastry

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 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 lb (450g) ground meat (beef, pork, or a combination) 1 lb (450g) ground meat (beef, pork, or a combination)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Nutrition

• Calories: 450 kcal / 1885 KJ
• Fat: 28g (Saturated Fat: 14g)
• Carbohydrates: 28g (Sugars: 2g)
• Protein: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and cold butter. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. 2.
   Add the sour cream to the mixture and gently knead until a smooth dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   In a skillet, cook the ground meat over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent.
4. 4.
   Stir in the paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and let the filling cool.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
6. 6.
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
7. 7.
   Spread the cooled filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
8. 8.
   Starting from one of the longer sides, tightly roll the dough into a log shape.
9. 9.
   Place the rolled dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the top with the beaten egg to give it a golden color.
10. 10.
    Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground meat — Choose a lean ground meat such as beef or pork for a healthier option. You can also use a combination of both for added flavor.
• Sour cream — Opt for full-fat sour cream to achieve a rich and creamy texture in the crust.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, replace the ground meat with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, onions, and garlic.
• Experiment with different spices and herbs to customize the flavor of the filling.
• Serve Pitica warm for the best taste and texture.
• Leftover Pitica can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain its crispiness.
• Pair Pitica with a dollop of sour cream or a side of pickles for a traditional Romanian experience.

Serving advice

Serve Pitica as an appetizer or a main course. Cut it into slices and arrange them on a platter for easy serving.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, on top of the Pitica before serving. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.