Indulge in this delicious Savory Meat and Potato Stuffed Bread, a delightful fusion of soft, homemade bread filled with a hearty mixture of seasoned minced meat, buttery potatoes, and aromatic herbs. This recipe combines simple ingredients to create a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or as a warm snack on a chilly day. The golden crust encases a flavorful filling that will surely become a favorite in your household.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• Warm Water: 300 ml
• Sugar: 1 tablespoon
• Flour: 430-450 grams
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Yeast: 0.5 teaspoon (active dry yeast)

For the Filling:

• Boiled Potatoes: 550 grams
• Butter: 60 grams
• Dill or Cilantro: A handful, chopped
• Salt: 1 to 1.5 teaspoons (adjust to taste)
• Minced Meat: 230 grams (beef, lamb, or your choice)
• Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
• Tomato: 1 medium, diced
• Salt and Cumin: To taste
• Oil: For sautéing

For Baking:

• Egg Wash (optional): 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water
• Baking Temperature: 180-190°C (356-374°F)
• Baking Time: 25-35 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water (300 ml) and sugar (1 tbsp). Stir until the sugar dissolves.
   • Sprinkle the active dry yeast (0.5 tsp) over the water. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is activated.
2. Mix the Dough:
   • Add the salt (1 tsp) to the yeast mixture.
   • Gradually add the flour (430-450 grams), one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
   • Once the dough starts to come together, transfer it to a lightly floured surface.
3. Knead the Dough:
   • Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour; if it’s too dry, add a bit more water.
4. First Rise:
   • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.
   • Let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Potato Filling

1. Boil the Potatoes:
   • Peel and chop the potatoes (550 grams) into chunks.
   • Boil them in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
   • Drain and mash the potatoes.
2. Add Butter and Herbs:
   • While the potatoes are still warm, add the butter (60 grams) and mash until smooth.
   • Stir in the chopped dill or cilantro, and add salt (1 to 1.5 tsp) to taste.
   • Set aside to cool.

Step 3: Prepare the Meat Filling

1. Sauté the Onions:
   • In a skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat.
   • Add the finely chopped onion (1 medium) and sauté until translucent.
2. Cook the Minced Meat:
   • Add the minced meat (230 grams) to the onions.
   • Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through.
3. Add Tomato and Spices:
   • Stir in the diced tomato (1 medium).
   • Season with salt and cumin to taste.
   • Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the flavors meld.
   • Remove from heat and let it cool.

Step 4: Assemble the Stuffed Bread

1. Combine Fillings (optional):
   • You can mix the meat and potato fillings together for a combined filling, or keep them separate to create layers.
2. Prepare the Dough:
   • Punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal portions (you can make one large bread or several smaller ones).
3. Roll Out the Dough:
   • On a floured surface, roll each dough portion into a circle or oval shape, about 1 cm thick.
4. Add Filling:
   • Place a generous amount of the potato filling in the center of the dough, leaving about a 2 cm border.
   • Add the meat filling on top of the potato layer if combining.
5. Seal the Bread:
   • Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pinching to seal tightly.
   • You can shape it into a ball, a rectangle, or a traditional loaf shape.
6. Second Rise:
   • Place the stuffed dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
   • Cover and let it rest for about 20-30 minutes.

Step 5: Bake

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 180-190°C (356-374°F).
2. Apply Egg Wash (optional):
   • Brush the top of the bread with the egg wash for a shiny, golden crust.
3. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
4. Cool:
   • Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Cooking Tips

• Dough Consistency: The amount of flour may vary slightly based on humidity and flour type. Add flour gradually to achieve a soft, non-sticky dough.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary to suit your taste.
• Filling Alternatives: You can substitute minced meat with cooked chicken, turkey, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
• Spice It Up: Add spices like paprika, chili flakes, or garlic powder to the fillings for extra flavor.
• Cheese Addition: Sprinkle some grated cheese over the filling before sealing the dough for a cheesy surprise.

Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftover stuffed bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the baked bread. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, thaw if frozen, and warm in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) for about 10 minutes or until heated through.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

This is an estimate based on dividing the bread into 8 servings.

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Protein: 12 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Sugar: 2 g

FAQs

1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

• Yes, you can use instant yeast. Since the amount is small (0.5 tsp), you can add it directly to the flour without activating it first.

2. What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

• You can use dried herbs instead. Use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

• Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Bring it to room temperature before proceeding.

4. Is it necessary to add sugar to the dough?

• Sugar feeds the yeast and helps the dough rise better. It also adds a slight sweetness to the bread, balancing the savory filling.

5. Can I omit the meat for a vegetarian version?

• Absolutely! You can increase the amount of potatoes or add other vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or cheese.

Conclusion

This Savory Meat and Potato Stuffed Bread is a wonderful addition to your recipe collection, offering a satisfying meal that’s both hearty and flavorful. The combination of soft bread and rich filling makes it a versatile dish suitable for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, packing it for a picnic, or enjoying it as a snack, this stuffed bread is sure to delight your taste buds. Try it out, and don’t hesitate to get creative with the fillings to make it your own special creation!