Tastier than the Most Delicious Pies: Just 1 Egg and a Little Kefir

These savory potato pies, made with a simple dough of kefir and just one egg, are a comforting and delightful treat that rivals even the most traditional pies. Their soft, fluffy exterior pairs beautifully with the creamy potato filling, and with just a few ingredients, you’ll be amazed at the flavors you can achieve. The subtle tang of kefir brings the dough to life, making these pies irresistible. Whether served as a snack or a side dish, they’re bound to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 250 ml (1 cup) kefir
• 1 tsp (5 g) salt
• 1 tbsp (15 g) sugar
• 1 egg
• 400 g (3 ¼ cups) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp (4 g) baking powder
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) vegetable oil

For the Filling:

• 400 g (14 oz) boiled potatoes
• 1 fried onion, finely chopped
• 40 g (1.4 oz) fresh dill, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil (for frying)

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Making the Dough

We begin by preparing a soft, tender dough that will wrap around our savory potato filling.

1. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 250 ml (1 cup) of kefir, 1 egg, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp sugar. The kefir adds a light tang and soft texture to the dough.
2. Add the Dry Ingredients: Gradually sift in 400 g (3 ¼ cups) of all-purpose flour and 1 tsp baking powder. Start by stirring with a spoon, then use your hands to knead the dough until smooth. Add 30 ml (2 tbsp) of vegetable oil and continue kneading until the dough is soft but not sticky.
3. Rest the Dough: Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 15 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out later.

2. Preparing the Filling

The filling is a simple but flavorful mix of mashed potatoes, fried onions, and fresh dill, seasoned to perfection.

1. Mash the Potatoes: Boil 400 g (14 oz) of potatoes until tender. Drain and transfer them to a bowl, then mash until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the Onions and Herbs: In a small pan, fry 1 finely chopped onion in a bit of oil until golden brown and fragrant. Add the fried onions to the mashed potatoes.
3. Season and Mix: Stir in 40 g (1.4 oz) of finely chopped dill, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Ensure the mixture is well combined and adjust seasoning if necessary.

3. Forming the Pies

Now we shape the dough into individual pies, ready for frying.

1. Divide the Dough: Once the dough has rested, divide it into 14 equal parts. Roll each piece into a smooth ball using your hands.
2. Roll the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball into a thick disk, about 8 cm (3 inches) in diameter.
3. Add the Filling: Place a spoonful of the prepared potato filling in the center of each disk. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling and pinch them together to form a seal, ensuring the filling is completely enclosed.
4. Shape the Pies: Gently flatten the pies with your hands to create a uniform shape, but be careful not to tear the dough.

4. Cooking the Pies

Finally, we fry the pies to achieve a crispy golden-brown crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft, savory filling inside.

1. Heat the Oil: In a large frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. The oil should be hot enough that it gently sizzles when a piece of dough is added, but not so hot that it burns the pies.
2. Fry the Pies: Carefully place the pies in the pan, being sure not to overcrowd them. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Flip the pies gently to avoid breaking them.
3. Drain and Cool: Once fried, transfer the pies to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Let them cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Approximate, makes 14 pies):

• Calories: 160 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Fat: 5 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sodium: 250 mg

Serving Suggestions:

These kefir-based pies are delicious served warm with a dollop of sour cream or a side of fresh salad. You can also enjoy them as a quick snack on the go or as a hearty side dish to complement soups and stews.

Final Thoughts:

These potato pies are far more than the sum of their simple ingredients. The use of kefir gives the dough a delightful softness, while the savory filling bursts with flavor from the combination of creamy potatoes, sweet fried onions, and aromatic dill. The crispy exterior contrasts wonderfully with the smooth, flavorful interior. Perfect for any occasion, these pies will undoubtedly become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.