Estonian Pirukas: Traditional little stuffed turnovers

Pirukas are delicious little stuffed slippers, very popular in Estonia . They can be filled with meat, vegetables, mushrooms, or even a sweet stuffing, depending on preference. Pirukas are often served as snacks or at parties. They are comparable to empanadas, but with an Estonian twist.

Preparation time 20 mins

Cooking time 20 mins

Rest time 30 mins

Total time 1 hr 10 mins

Cooking method: Expert cook , traditional

Difficulty: intermediary

Servings: 14

Ingredients

For the dough:
300 g of gluten-free flour (or a mix: 130g rice, 130g chickpeas, 40g cornstarch)
1 tsp gluten-free baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
100 g cold butter cut into small pieces
1 peuf
150 ml of milk
For the garnish
300 g ground beef (or pork)
1 onion, finely chopped
1 carrot, grated
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp olive oil
For the gilding:
1 egg yolk
1 Tbsp of milk

Preparation

1
Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, baking powder and salt. Add the cold butter and work it into the flour with your fingertips to obtain a sandy texture. In another bowl, beat the egg with 3/4 of the milk and add it to the flour mixture. Knead until you obtain a soft dough. If the dough is too dry, add the rest of the milk. If it is too sticky, add a little flour. You can also use your robot. Cover it and let it rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
2
Prepare the filling: In a pan, heat the olive oil and fry the onion until it becomes translucent. Add the minced meat and cook until nicely browned. Add the grated carrot, salt, pepper and chopped parsley. Mix well and let cool.
3
Assemble the Pirukas: Preheat your oven to 180°C. To make gluten-free dough easier to use, make small balls the size of a golf ball; spread each ball between 2 sheets of cling film. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each dough circle.
4
Close the turnovers: Using the cling film, fold each circle in half to form a turnover and press the edges with your fingers or a fork to seal them well. Place the turnovers on a baking tray covered with parchment paper.
5
Brown and cook: In a small bowl, mix the egg yolk with the milk. Brush the turnovers with this mixture to give them a nice golden color when cooked. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the Pirukas are golden brown.
6
Serve: Pirukas can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. You can serve them as an aperitif, starter or even for a picnic.

Note

Alternative fillings : Try vegetarian stuffings made with sautéed mushrooms and cheese, or sweet stuffings made with apples and cinnamon

. Accompanying sauce : Serve the Pirukas with a yogurt sauce or a light tomato sauce.

Keywords: Gluten -free Estonian Pirukas, Estonon Gluten -free Empanadas, gluten -free meat slipper