Chebureki are delicious deep-fried turnovers filled with a savory mixture of minced meat, onions, and spices. These pastries boast a crispy, golden-brown exterior that encases a juicy, flavorful filling. To prepare chebureki, a simple dough is rolled out thinly, filled with the seasoned meat mixture, folded into a half-moon shape, and sealed before being fried to perfection. The result is a delectable snack or appetizer that is best enjoyed hot.

Chebureki have their roots in the culinary traditions of the Crimean Tatars, a Turkic ethnic group from the Crimean Peninsula. The dish spread across Eastern Europe and Central Asia, gaining popularity in countries like Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan. Its origins can be traced back to the nomadic lifestyle of the Tatars, who valued portable and hearty meals. Over time, chebureki evolved, with various regional adaptations emerging, but the core elements of the dish—crispy dough and a juicy meat filling—have remained constant. Today, chebureki are beloved street food, enjoyed by many for their irresistible combination of textures and flavors.

Ingredients:

- For the dough:

 - 3 cups all-purpose flour

 - 1 teaspoon salt

 - 1 cup water

 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

- For the filling:

 - 1 pound ground beef or lamb

 - 1 large onion, finely chopped

 - Salt and pepper to taste

 - 1/2 cup water

 - Optional: 1 teaspoon ground cumin or other preferred spices

- For frying:

 - Vegetable oil (enough for deep frying)

Method of Preparation:

Prepare the dough:

  - In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.

  - Gradually add water and vegetable oil, mixing until a dough forms.

  - Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

  - Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare the filling:

  - In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, chopped onion, salt, pepper, and optional spices.

  - Gradually add water to the mixture, stirring until the filling is well combined and slightly loose.

Assemble the chebureki:

  - Divide the dough into small, equal-sized balls (about the size of a golf ball).

  - Roll each ball out on a floured surface into a thin circle (about 8-10 inches in diameter).

  - Place a few tablespoons of the meat filling on one half of the dough circle, spreading it evenly but leaving the edges clear.

  - Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly with your fingers or a fork to seal.

Fry the chebureki:

  - Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot over medium-high heat.

  - Carefully place the chebureki into the hot oil, a few at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.

  - Fry each side for about 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

  - Remove the chebureki from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Serve:

  - Enjoy the chebureki hot, served plain or with a side of sour cream or yogurt for dipping.

Nutrition Value:

For the dough:

3 Cups All-Purpose Flour

- Calories: 1,362 kcal

- Carbohydrates: 285 g

- Protein: 39 g

- Fat: 3 g

- Sodium: 6 mg

- Cholesterol: 0 mg

- Vitamins: Contains small amounts of B vitamins (niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, folic acid)

- Minerals: Iron, manganese, selenium

Benefits:

- Provides a substantial amount of energy from carbohydrates

- Contains B vitamins which are essential for energy production and brain health

- Iron is important for oxygen transport in the blood

1 Teaspoon Salt

- Calories: 0 kcal

- Carbohydrates: 0 g

- Protein: 0 g

- Fat: 0 g

- Sodium: 2,325 mg

- Cholesterol: 0 mg

- Vitamins: None

- Minerals: None

Benefits:

- Essential for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function in the body

- Important for muscle contractions

1 Cup Water

- Calories: 0 kcal

- Carbohydrates: 0 g

- Protein: 0 g

- Fat: 0 g

- Sodium: 0 mg

- Cholesterol: 0 mg

- Vitamins: None

- Minerals: None

Benefits:

- Essential for all bodily functions, including digestion, absorption, circulation, and temperature regulation

- Maintains hydration and supports overall health

1 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil

- Calories: 120 kcal

- Carbohydrates: 0 g

- Protein: 0 g

- Fat: 14 g

- Sodium: 0 mg

- Cholesterol: 0 mg

- Vitamins: Vitamin E (antioxidant properties)

- Minerals: None

Benefits:

- Provides essential fatty acids which are important for brain health and cellular functions

- Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage

For the filling:

1 Pound Ground Beef or Lamb

Calories: 

   - Ground Beef (80% lean): ~1152 calories

   - Ground Lamb: ~1160 calories

  - Carbohydrates: 

   - Ground Beef: 0g

   - Ground Lamb: 0g

Protein: 

   - Ground Beef: ~76g

   - Ground Lamb: ~70g

  - Fat: 

   - Ground Beef: ~92g

   - Ground Lamb: ~96g

Sodium: 

   - Ground Beef: ~320mg

   - Ground Lamb: ~140mg

  - Cholesterol: 

   - Ground Beef: ~312mg

   - Ground Lamb: ~352mg

Vitamins: 

   - Ground Beef: Vitamin B12, B6, and Niacin

   - Ground Lamb: Vitamin B12, B6, and Niacin

Minerals: 

   - Ground Beef: Iron, Zinc, Phosphorus

   - Ground Lamb: Iron, Zinc, Phosphorus

Benefits:

   - Excellent sources of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.

   - Rich in iron, crucial for oxygen transport in the blood.

   - Provide significant amounts of Vitamin B12, necessary for brain function and red blood cell production.

1 Large Onion, Finely Chopped

  - Calories: 60 calories

  - Carbohydrates: 14g

  - Protein: 1.5g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 4mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Vitamin C, B6, Folate

  - Minerals: Potassium, Manganese

Benefits:

   - Low in calories but high in beneficial nutrients like vitamins and minerals.

   - Good source of Vitamin C, which supports the immune system, skin health, and iron absorption.

   - Have antioxidant properties and compounds with anti-inflammatory effects.

Salt and Pepper to Taste

  - Calories: 0 calories

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium (Salt): Approximately 1/4 teaspoon of salt contains about 580mg of sodium

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Trace amounts

Benefits:

   - Salt enhances flavor and is necessary for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function but should be used in moderation due to its high sodium content.

   - Black pepper contains piperine, which has antioxidant properties and can enhance nutrient absorption.

1/2 Cup Water

  - Calories: 0 calories

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 0mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins and Minerals: None

Benefits:

   - Essential for hydration, digestion, and overall bodily functions.

   - Helps regulate body temperature, transport nutrients, and remove waste.

Optional: 1 Teaspoon Ground Cumin or Other Preferred Spices

  - Calories (Cumin): 8 calories

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Protein: 0.4g

  - Fat: 0.5g

  - Sodium: 4mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E

  - Minerals: Iron, Manganese, Calcium

Benefits:

   - Rich in iron, which is important for blood health.

   - Has antioxidant properties and can aid in digestion and improve cholesterol levels.

   - Various spices can offer additional health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Vegetable Oil (For Frying)

  - Calories: 120 calories per tablespoon

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 14g (per tablespoon)

  - Sodium: 0mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Trace amounts, depending on the type of oil

Benefits:

   - Source of healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, beneficial for heart health.

   - Calorie-dense, providing energy but should be used in moderation to avoid excessive calorie intake.

   - Some oils, like olive oil, contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.