Delicious Speka Pīrādziņi Recipe

Speka Pīrādziņi are delightful Latvian pastries that are both savory and flavorful, making them a favorite at gatherings and celebrations. These pastries are filled with a delicious blend of ham and spices, wrapped in a soft, buttery dough that's golden-brown when baked. The dough is fluffy and tender, offering a perfect balance to the savory filling. Preparing these takes some time and patience, but the end result is more than rewarding. The fluffy dough complements the rich filling, creating a culinary experience that's hard to resist. Traditionally enjoyed as a snack or appetizer, they are a staple in many Latvian homes. The mix of tastes and textures, from the crisp crust to the juicy filling, is sure to impress. With the right balance of ingredients and proper technique, you can bring a taste of Latvia to your table. For those eager to explore new flavors and cultural dishes, speka pīrādziņi are an excellent place to start. Enjoy these with friends and family for a delightful treat!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

Milk: 500 ml
Yeast: 35 g
Sugar: 125 g
Salt: 1/2 tbsp
Eggs: 2
Butter: 75 g
Mayonnaise (80%): 30 g
Wheat Flour: 800 g
Pork Ham: 200 g
Onions: 50 g

Filling

Black Pepper (ground): 2 g
Salt: 5 g
Egg: 1 for brushing

Preparation Time

Total time: 120 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Prepare the Dough Starter: In a large bowl, crumble the yeast with 2 tablespoons of sugar, add 3 tablespoons of flour, and pour in about 100 ml of lukewarm milk. Mix well and let it sit in a warm place.
Mix Wet Ingredients: While the yeast is rising, beat the eggs with the remaining sugar. Melt the butter and gently heat the remaining milk in a saucepan.
Combine Ingredients: To the warmed milk, add the melted butter, beaten eggs, salt, and mayonnaise, stirring until combined.
Add to Yeast Mixture: Once the yeast mixture has risen (after about 20 minutes in a warm kitchen), add the contents of the saucepan to it, mix well.
Add Flour Gradually: Start with 400 g of sifted flour, mixing it into the wet ingredients. Gradually add more flour to form a dough that is not too stiff.
Knead the Dough: Knead thoroughly until the dough is pliable and no longer sticks to your hands. Cover with a towel and let rise for about an hour in a warm, quiet place.
Prepare Filling: Dice the onions and ham, season with pepper, and taste, adding salt if needed. Optionally, sauté the filling gently until the onions are translucent.
Roll the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out portions of dough to about 3-4 mm thickness.
Cut Dough Circles: Use a glass or cookie cutter to cut out circles from the rolled dough.
Fill the Pastries: Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each dough circle. Press the edges to seal, shaping them into a half-moon form.
Prepare for Baking: Grease a baking sheet with a piece of pork fat and position the pastries seam-side down, leaving 3 cm between them.
Brush with Egg: Beat the remaining egg and brush over each pastry to give them a shiny glaze.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F) and bake until golden brown.

Tips

Dough Consistency: Adjust the amount of flour added based on the flour variety and moisture content to achieve the right dough texture.
Warm Environment: Let the dough rise in a warm area without drafts for a perfect rise.
Serving Fresh: These pastries are best served warm for optimal flavor and texture.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 215 kcal
Proteins: 7 g
Fats: 8 g
Carbohydrates: 29 g

Variations

Cheese Addition: Add grated cheese to the filling for a creamy texture.
Vegetarian Option: Replace the ham with mushrooms or spinach for a non-meat version.
Spicy Twist: Sprinkle some red chili flakes for added spice if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Garnish: Serve with sour cream or a light yogurt-based dip.
Pairings: Pair with a vegetable soup for a complete meal.
Beverage: Compliment with a chilled glass of white wine or a light beer.

Best Places

Laima Bakery – Known for its delicious pastries and friendly atmosphere. Location: Pilsētas laukums 4, Riga, Latvia.
Café Vespa – Offers a variety of Latvian treats in a cozy setting. Location: Miera iela 22, Riga, Latvia.
Rijkuris – Serves traditional speka pīrādziņi with a modern twist. Location: Elizabetes iela 27, Riga, Latvia.
Jamaica Blue – Renowned for its fresh pastries and excellent coffee. Location: King Street, Sydney, Australia.
The Bearded Baker – A local favorite for freshly baked goods. Location: Bourke Street, Melbourne, Australia.
Café Central – Offers a taste of Europe with its wide selection of pastries. Location: Herrengasse 14, Vienna, Austria.
Little Bread Co. – Famous for its craftsmanship and quality ingredients. Location: High Street, San Francisco, USA.
Pastry House – Delivers innovation in every pastry item. Location: Oxford Street, London, UK.
Boulanger Moderne – Puts a unique touch on traditional recipes. Location: Rue de la Madeleine, Paris, France.
Bread Ahead Bakery – Utilizes the best of local produce for its creations. Location: Elizabeth Street, New York, USA.