This stuffed bread recipe is a treasured family secret passed down from my grandmother. It’s a simple yet incredibly delicious dish that combines a soft, homemade dough with a savory filling of potatoes, vegetables, and cheese. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or as a side dish, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household too!
Ingredients:
Dough:
- 2 Eggs
- 250 ml Milk, warm
- 200 ml Warm Water
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 1 tbsp Yeast (active dry yeast)
- 450 g Flour (about 3 1/2 cups)
Filling:
Olive Oil, for sautéing
2 Potatoes, boiled and mashed
1 Bell Pepper, finely chopped
1 Tomato, finely chopped
3.5 oz Cheese, grated (about 1 cup; your choice, such as cheddar or mozzarella)
1.75 oz Cottage Cheese (about 1/4 cup)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active.
- Mix the Dough: Add the eggs, salt, and flour to the yeast mixture. Start mixing with a spoon or a spatula, then switch to your hands or a dough hook if using a stand mixer.
- Knead the Dough: Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
- Let it Rise: Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling:
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a pan, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped bell pepper and tomato, and sauté until they are soft and any excess moisture has evaporated. This should take about 5 minutes.
- Combine the Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the sautéed vegetables with the boiled and mashed potatoes, grated cheese, and cottage cheese. Season with a little salt and pepper to taste. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined.
3. Assemble the Bread:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to remove any air bubbles. Divide the dough into portions depending on how large you want your stuffed breads to be. Roll each portion out into a circle or oval on a floured surface.
Add the Filling: Place a generous amount of the filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling, pinching the edges to seal it. You can shape them into small pockets, rolls, or even a large stuffed loaf.
Bake the Bread: Place the stuffed breads on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let them rest for 10 minutes to rise slightly. Brush the tops with a little olive oil or an egg wash for a golden finish.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
4. Serve:
Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy it warm as a delicious meal or snack.
