Rasstegai is a traditional Belarusian and Russian open-faced pastry or small pie. These savory treats are typically made with a rich yeast dough or a quicker sour cream pastry, and they can be filled with a variety of ingredients, such as ground meat, fish, rice, or mushrooms.
The name ‘rasstegai’ means ‘unbuttoned,’ referring to the small opening left on top of the pie.
About This Dish
- Preparation time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
- Dough: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup cold butter, ½ cup sour cream, ½ teaspoon salt.
- Filling: 1 lb. ground meat (beef/pork), 1 onion, 1 cup cooked rice, 4 hard-boiled eggs, 2 tbsp vegetable oil, ½ cup broth, salt, and pepper.
- Egg Wash: 1 egg, beaten.
Preparation Method
- For the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Add the sour cream and mix until the dough just comes together. Form it into a ball, wrap it, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- For the filling: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet and sauté the chopped onion until soft. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, then season with salt and pepper. Stir in the cooked rice, chopped hard-boiled eggs, and broth. Simmer until heated through.
- Assembly: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Divide the chilled dough into two parts (one larger, one smaller). Roll out the larger part and line a pie dish with it.
- Fill the crust with the meat and rice mixture. Roll out the smaller portion of dough and place it over the top of the pie.
- Seal the edges by pressing them together. Brush the top crust with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through.
More Topics
- Authentic Belarusian Recipe: Pyzy (Meat Dumplings)
- Authentic Belarusian Recipe: Sukhariki (Garlic Croutons)
- Authentic Belarusian Recipe: Fried Bread Dough (Pyachysta)
- Authentic Belarusian Recipe: Sauerkraut (Kapusta)
- Authentic Belarusian Recipe: Khrustyky (Crispy Dough Twists)
- Authentic Belarusian Recipe: Kavarma (Stewed Meat and Vegetables)
- Authentic Belarusian Recipe: Salted Pork Fat (Salo)
