“Dovrekaka” refers to a traditional dish from the region of the former Yugoslavia, particularly popular in parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is a savory pie or bread-like dish often made with a filling of minced meat, vegetables, and spices, sometimes prepared with a combination of phyllo dough or homemade dough.
Here’s a simple recipe for Dovrekaka:
Ingredients:
- For the dough:
- 500g all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 7g dry yeast
- 250 ml warm water
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1 egg (optional)
- For the filling:
- 400g minced meat (usually beef or lamb)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- For brushing:
- 1 egg (beaten, for glazing)
Instructions:
- Prepare the dough:
- In a bowl, mix the flour, salt, sugar, and dry yeast. Add the warm water gradually, along with the olive oil or melted butter. Mix everything until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough with a cloth and let it rest for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the filling:
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion and garlic until soft and translucent.
- Add the minced meat and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Add the grated carrot, bell pepper, and paprika. Stir well and cook for a few minutes.
- Add the tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is well combined, and let it cook for another 5 minutes. Once done, remove from heat and let it cool.
- Assemble the Dovrekaka:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a thin, rectangular shape.
- Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving some space at the edges.
- Carefully roll the dough like a log or form it into a spiral shape, depending on your preference.
- Place the rolled dough onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the top with a beaten egg for a golden, shiny finish.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy your Dovrekaka! It can be served warm or cold and is perfect with a side salad or as part of a larger meal.