If you're craving something savory, hearty, and full of flavor, then you absolutely need to try making Punjene Lepine (Stuffed Flatbreads). These soft, warm flatbreads are filled with a savory mixture of seasoned meat, vegetables, and spices, creating the perfect comfort food. Whether you're preparing them for lunch, dinner, or even as a snack, these stuffed lepines will surely satisfy everyone at the table. Here's how to make them from scratch:
Start by preparing the dough. You'll need 500 grams of flour, which will serve as the base of your dough. Combine it with 300 milliliters of warm milk and 100 milliliters of oil. The oil will give the dough its soft, tender texture. Add 1 teaspoon of sugar to help activate the yeast and 2 teaspoons of salt to enhance the flavor. For the yeast, use half a block of fresh yeast, which will help the dough rise beautifully. Mix everything together until the dough starts to form, then knead it until it's smooth and elastic. Once your dough is ready, let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size. This will take about an hour.
While the dough is rising, you can prepare the filling. For the meat, take some beef steaks (around 500 grams) and slice them into thin strips. Chop 1 onion into small pieces, and sauté the meat and onion in some oil until they're cooked through and golden brown. Add your favorite spices to season the mixture. A pinch of paprika, salt, and pepper works wonderfully, but feel free to add any other spices you enjoy. To make the filling even juicier, add a splash of water and cook until the mixture becomes nice and tender.
Next, prepare the vegetables. Take 4 smaller potatoes and 1 carrot, peel them, and cut them into thin strips, just like you would for fries. Boil them for a few minutes until they're slightly soft but not fully cooked. Add the vegetables to the meat mixture and cook for a little longer, allowing the flavors to meld together. Once everything is cooked and cooled down, the filling is ready.
Now, it's time to assemble the Punjene Lepine. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F), and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the lepines from sticking. Take your dough, which should have doubled in size by now, and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten it into a round shape using your hands or a rolling pin. Once you have your flatbreads, place 4 of them on the prepared baking sheet.
Spoon a generous amount of the meat and vegetable mixture onto the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overstuff, as you need to be able to close the edges without spilling. Wet the edges of the dough with a bit of water, then fold the dough over the filling, creating a pocket. Press the edges together to seal, ensuring the filling stays inside while baking.
For a little fun, use a straw or a small skewer to gently poke holes into the dough before baking. This will allow the air inside to escape while baking, making the lepines puff up beautifully. Once all your lepines are assembled, brush them with a mixture of water and a bit of oil to give them a nice golden finish when they bake.
Place the stuffed lepines in the oven and bake them for about 10 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and slightly puffed. The dough should be soft and chewy, with a crispy exterior. When they’re done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
These stuffed lepines are perfect as a main dish or even as a snack for sharing with friends and family. The combination of juicy meat, tender vegetables, and soft, warm bread makes each bite incredibly satisfying. Once you try this recipe, it might just become a new family favorite!
So next time you're in the mood for a homemade dish that's both filling and full of flavor, give this stuffed lepines recipe a try. It's simple to make, packed with taste, and guaranteed to bring joy to the table. Enjoy!
