Just Water and Flour! Perfect Pancake Dough in 5 Minutes! 🍴🥞
When it comes to creating delicious, simple, and budget-friendly recipes, nothing beats the magic of two humble ingredients: water and flour. These two basic pantry staples, when combined thoughtfully, can transform into a versatile dough that serves as the foundation for countless dishes. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, speed, and the ability to turn basic ingredients into something extraordinary. In just five minutes, you can create the perfect pancake dough that is soft, elastic, and ready to be shaped into anything your imagination allows, from savory pies to delicate pancakes.
The recipe we are exploring today is not only quick and easy but also incredibly satisfying. By adding a few additional ingredients such as minced chicken, onion, and spices, you can elevate this simple dough into a mouthwatering dish that will leave your family and friends asking for more. Whether you are pressed for time or simply looking for an uncomplicated recipe, this water-and-flour dough will not disappoint.
The Simplicity of Dough: Just Water and Flour
Dough has been a staple in kitchens worldwide for centuries, and its versatility makes it a fundamental part of countless cuisines. The simplicity of mixing flour and water creates a blank canvas that can take on endless forms. From bread and pasta to pancakes and pies, the possibilities are truly limitless. What makes this dough particularly unique is its ease of preparation:
Ingredients:
240 ml boiling water
4 tablespoons sunflower oil
500 grams of flour
Salt to taste
The addition of boiling water is key to achieving the perfect texture. Boiling water partially cooks the flour, resulting in a soft and pliable dough that is easy to work with. Sunflower oil adds a subtle richness and elasticity to the dough, ensuring it rolls out smoothly without cracking.
In just a few steps, this dough comes together beautifully:
Combine boiling water, sunflower oil, flour, and a pinch of salt in a bowl.
Knead the mixture until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Allow the dough to rest for 30 minutes to relax the gluten, making it easier to roll out.
The resting period is crucial as it allows the dough to develop its elasticity, ensuring it can be rolled thinly without tearing. This simple yet effective technique transforms basic ingredients into a workable dough that forms the perfect base for savory fillings.
The Savory Twist: Minced Chicken Filling
While the dough itself is a marvel, the magic truly happens when you pair it with a flavorful filling. For this recipe, minced chicken seasoned with khmeli-suneli spice mix, onion, and black pepper creates a savory and aromatic filling that perfectly complements the soft dough.
Ingredients for the filling:
400 grams minced chicken
1 onion, finely chopped
Khmeli-suneli spice mix (to taste)
Black pepper (to taste)
Salt (to taste)
A little water for cooking
The process of preparing the filling is just as simple as the dough:
Cook the minced chicken in a pan with a small amount of water.
Add finely chopped onion, salt, khmeli-suneli, and black pepper.
Stir the mixture until the chicken is fully cooked and the spices are well combined.
The khmeli-suneli spice mix, a traditional Georgian blend, brings warmth and depth to the filling. Its combination of herbs and spices, such as fenugreek, coriander, and marjoram, creates an aromatic and slightly earthy flavor that enhances the taste of the chicken.
Combining Dough and Filling: Shaping the Perfect Pies
Once the dough has rested and the filling is ready, it’s time to bring everything together. The process of shaping the pies is both fun and rewarding:
Roll out the dough thinly on a lightly floured surface.
Place spoonfuls of the chicken filling onto the dough.
Fold and seal the dough around the filling, shaping it into small pies.
This step allows for creativity, as the pies can be shaped in various ways—semi-circles, rectangles, or even triangles. The key is to ensure that the edges are sealed tightly to prevent the filling from spilling out during frying.
The Final Touch: Frying to Perfection
The final step in this recipe involves frying the pies until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. This method of cooking gives the pies a delightful crunch while keeping the inside soft and juicy. To achieve the perfect result:
Heat sunflower oil in a pan until it is hot but not smoking.
Fry the pies on both sides until they are golden and crispy.
The contrast between the crispy exterior and the tender, savory filling makes these pies irresistible. The sunflower oil used for frying ensures a clean and light flavor, allowing the spices and chicken to shine through.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. Here are a few reasons why it works so well:
Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor:
By focusing on basic pantry staples—flour, water, and oil—you can create a versatile dough that serves as the foundation for countless dishes. The addition of flavorful spices and chicken takes this simple dough to the next level.
Speed and Simplicity:
The dough comes together in just five minutes, making it ideal for busy days when you need a quick and satisfying meal. The resting period allows you to prepare the filling simultaneously, ensuring efficiency in the kitchen.
Versatility:
This recipe is incredibly adaptable. While the chicken filling is delicious, you can experiment with other ingredients such as ground beef, vegetables, or cheese. The dough itself can also be used for pancakes, flatbreads, or dumplings.
Budget-Friendly:
With just a few inexpensive ingredients, you can create a dish that is both filling and flavorful. This makes it perfect for families or anyone cooking on a budget.
Crispy and Soft Texture:
The combination of boiling water and oil in the dough creates a texture that is both soft and pliable. When fried, the pies develop a golden, crispy exterior while remaining tender inside.
Serving and Enjoying Your Homemade Pies
Once the pies are fried to perfection, they are ready to be served and enjoyed. These golden-brown delights are best eaten fresh and hot, straight from the pan. They pair beautifully with a variety of dips and sides:
Yogurt Sauce: A simple mix of yogurt, garlic, and herbs adds a refreshing contrast to the savory pies.
Fresh Salad: A light salad of cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions complements the richness of the pies.
Pickles: Tangy pickles provide a burst of acidity that balances the flavors perfectly.
These pies are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a quick lunch, a family dinner, or a gathering with friends. Their simplicity and flavor make them a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.
A Timeless Tradition
Recipes like this one highlight the beauty of cooking with simple, wholesome ingredients. Across cultures and generations, water-and-flour dough has been a staple in kitchens around the world. From Italian pasta to Indian chapati and Chinese dumplings, the combination of water and flour is a universal foundation for countless beloved dishes.
This particular recipe, with its quick dough and savory chicken filling, brings together elements of tradition and modern convenience. It proves that you don’t need complicated ingredients or elaborate techniques to create something delicious and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
In a world where cooking can sometimes feel overwhelming, this recipe serves as a reminder that simplicity is often the key to success. With just water, flour, and a few additional ingredients, you can create a dish that is quick, easy, and incredibly delicious. The combination of soft, pliable dough and savory chicken filling results in pies that are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is a perfect addition to your repertoire. It’s a testament to the magic of humble ingredients and the joy of creating something special from scratch. So the next time you’re looking for a quick and satisfying meal, remember: all you need is water, flour, and a little creativity.
Serve, share, and enjoy your homemade pies! 🍴🥞
Quick Recipe Recap
Title Ingredient 1 Ingredient 2 Ingredient 3 Ingredient 4
Pancake Dough (5 Minutes) 240 ml water 500 g flour 4 tbsp oil Salt to taste
Chicken Filling 400 g chicken 1 onion Khmeli-Suneli Black pepper
Instructions:
Mix boiling water, oil, flour, and salt to make the dough. Knead and rest for 30 minutes.
Cook minced chicken with onion, khmeli-suneli, black pepper, and a little water.
Roll out the dough, fill with chicken, and shape into pies.
Fry in oil until golden brown.
Enjoy your delicious homemade pies! 🍽