Chicken and Mushroom Pastry Pockets

Chicken and Mushroom Pastry Pockets

Dough Ingredients:

• Milk – 200 ml
• Water – 100 ml
• Vegetable Oil – 50 ml
• Egg White – from 1 egg
• Salt – 0.5 tsp
• Dry Yeast – 6 g (or 1 tsp with a heap)
• Sugar – 1 tbsp
• Flour – 500 g

Filling Ingredients:

• Onion – 1, diced
• Carrot – 1, grated
• Chicken Meat – 250 g, cooked and diced or shredded
• Mushrooms (Champignons) – 200 g, diced
• Salt and Pepper – to taste
• Fresh Herbs (parsley, dill) – 30 g, chopped
• Vegetable Oil – for sautéing

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • Combine warm milk, water, vegetable oil, sugar, salt, and egg white in a mixing bowl. Mix well.
   • Add the yeast and let it activate for a few minutes.
   • Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
   • Knead the dough until smooth, then cover and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. It should not double in size, just puff slightly.
2. Make the Filling:
   • In a pan, heat the vegetable oil and sauté the onions and carrots until soft.
   • Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and it evaporates.
   • Add the cooked chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook together for a few more minutes.
   • Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh herbs. Allow the mixture to cool.
3. Form the Pockets:
   • Divide the rested dough into 9 equal pieces, roll them into balls, and flatten each into a 15 cm diameter circle.
   • Place a portion of the filling in the center of each circle.
   • Fold the dough over the filling to create envelope or triangle shapes, and seal the edges by pressing them together. You can use string to help hold the shape if desired.
4. Prepare for Baking:
   • Transfer the pockets to a baking tray greased with oil.
   • Brush each pocket with an egg yolk wash.
   • Let the pockets rest for an additional 15-20 minutes.
5. Bake:
   • Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).
   • Bake the pastry pockets for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Serve:
   • Allow the pastries to cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy these hearty pastry pockets as a satisfying snack or a delicious meal, perfect for any time of the day. Bon appétit!