Cuisine - Khuushuur - how to prepare this Mongolian item

 

Khuushuur is a popular Mongolian fried dumpling, similar to a pasty or empanada. Here is a detailed recipe to prepare Khuushuur:

 Ingredients:

#### Dough:

- 3 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 cup water

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

#### Filling:

- 1 pound ground beef or mutton

- 1 large onion, finely chopped

- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)

- 1/4 cup water or broth (to make the filling moist)

#### For Frying:

- Vegetable oil (for frying)

 Instructions:

#### Dough Preparation:

1. **Mixing the Dough**: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add water while mixing, until a dough forms.

2. **Kneading**: Knead the dough on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 30 minutes.

#### Filling Preparation:

3. **Preparing the Filling**: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, chopped onion, minced garlic, black pepper, salt, soy sauce (if using), and water/broth. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.

#### Shaping the Khuushuur:

4. **Rolling the Dough**: Divide the dough into small portions and roll each portion into a ball. Flatten each ball into a thin circle (about 4-5 inches in diameter).

5. **Adding the Filling**: Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each dough circle.

6. **Sealing the Dumplings**: Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal, ensuring there are no gaps. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a tighter seal.

#### Frying the Khuushuur:

7. **Heating the Oil**: Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when a small piece of dough is added.

8. **Frying**: Carefully place the sealed dumplings into the hot oil, a few at a time, to avoid overcrowding. Fry until golden brown and crisp, about 3-5 minutes per side. Adjust the heat as necessary to ensure they cook evenly without burning.

9. **Draining**: Remove the fried khuushuur with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

#### Serving:

10. **Serving**: Serve the Khuushuur hot. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a dipping sauce such as soy sauce or a yogurt-based sauce.

Enjoy your homemade Khuushuur!