Pogačice are a deliciously soft and versatile traditional pastry that can be filled with a variety of ingredients. They make for a great snack or meal, whether you prefer a savory filling of minced meat or cheese, or something more adventurous! These pogačice are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and the perfect pairing with a cool glass of yogurt. Here's how to make them step by step.
Ingredients for the Dough:
- 350g all-purpose flour: The base of the dough, providing structure.
- 200ml milk: Helps create a soft and smooth dough.
- 1 small teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough.
- 1 small teaspoon baking powder: Adds a little rise to the dough, making it fluffy.
For the Filling:
- 250g minced meat or cheese: This can be any kind of filling you like. I recommend a classic minced meat filling, or you can use cheese for a vegetarian option.
- 1 onion (or fresh parsley if using cheese): The onion adds a savory flavor to the filling, while parsley provides a fresh note if you’re making a cheese-based pogačica.
- Spices: Salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with the pepper – it gives the filling a nice kick!
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, milk, salt, and baking powder. Mix the ingredients together to form a dough. Knead it for a few minutes until smooth and elastic. Once your dough is ready, divide it into 12 equal portions. I found that each portion weighed about 46g. This makes them the perfect size to create individual, bite-sized pogačice.
2. Prepare the Filling:
For the filling, you can choose your favorite ingredients. I usually go with minced meat and onion. Start by sautéing the minced meat and onion together in a pan with a bit of oil. Season with salt and **plenty of pepper to bring out the flavors. Once the meat is fully cooked, set the mixture aside to cool.
If you're using cheese instead of meat, simply mix the cheese with finely chopped parsley and a bit of salt.
3. Shape the Pogačice:
Take each dough ball and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a circle about 8 to 10 cm in diameter. Place a generous spoonful of your chosen filling in the center of the dough circle.
Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, then gently press the edges together with your fingers to seal. Use a pizza cutter or a knife to trim the edges, creating a neat, round shape.
4. Fry the Pogačice:
Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the pogačice in the oil. Fry them for about 1 minute on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
As they cook, be sure to flip them gently to avoid spilling the filling. After frying, remove the pogačice from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the pogačice are golden and crispy, serve them with a side of yogurt for dipping. The contrast of the soft, warm pogačice with the cool yogurt is simply delicious. Enjoy these crispy, savory treats as a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal.
Tips for Perfect Pogačice:
- Dough Consistency: If the dough feels too sticky while working with it, you can add a bit more flour. The dough should be soft but not overly sticky.
- Filling Variety: Feel free to get creative with your fillings! You can add sautéed vegetables, cheese, or even a sweet filling like jam or chocolate for a dessert version.
- Frying: Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the pogačice. If the oil is too cool, they’ll absorb more oil and become greasy. If it’s too hot, they’ll cook too quickly on the outside and remain raw inside.
These pogačice are the perfect bite-sized pastries for any occasion, and their versatility makes them a favorite in many kitchens. Whether you prefer them with meat or cheese, or even want to try different fillings, this simple recipe will surely become a staple in your baking routine. Enjoy!
