Bosnian klepe (pronounced kleh-peh) are savory, meat-filled dumplings perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering. This traditional Bosnian dish is made with a flavorful filling of ground beef or lamb, seasoned with onions, garlic, salt, paprika, and black pepper. The seasoned meat creates a delicious and satisfying filling for the tender dumpling dough.

The dough is made from a simple mixture of flour, eggs, and water, rolled into thin sheets and cut into 2-inch diameter circles. A teaspoon of the meat filling is placed in the center of each circle, then folded over and sealed into a half-moon shape. The klepe are boiled in salted water until they float, indicating they are fully cooked.

Typically served hot with a side of sour cream or yogurt, Bosnian klepe balance the savory flavors of the filling with a creamy, tangy accompaniment. This dish is a comfort food enjoyed throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina, often served at family gatherings, weddings, and special occasions, and is also popular as a street food.

Overall, Bosnian klepe is a hearty and satisfying dish, with its flavorful filling and tender dough making it a favorite for anyone who tries it. Perfect for a cozy meal, it showcases the rich culinary traditions of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Ingredients:

1- 1 pound of ground beef or lamb

2- 1 small onion, finely chopped

3- 2 cloves of garlic, minced

4- 1 tablespoon of salt

5- 1 tablespoon of paprika

6- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper

7- 2 cups of flour

8- 2 eggs

9- 1/2 cup of water

10- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1- Start by making the filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, onion, garlic, salt, paprika, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. Cover the bowl and set it aside while you make the dough.

2- In another mixing bowl, combine the flour, eggs, and water. Mix everything together until you have a smooth dough. Cover the dough and let it rest for 15-20 minutes.

3- After the dough has rested, roll it out into a thin sheet on a floured surface. Using a glass or a round cookie cutter, cut out circles of dough that are about 2 inches in diameter.

4- Take a circle of dough and place a teaspoon of the meat filling in the center. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and press the edges together to seal the klepe. Repeat with the remaining circles of dough and filling.

5- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the klepe to the pot, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook the klepe for 10-12 minutes or until they float to the surface.

6- Use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked klepe from the pot and transfer them to a serving dish. Serve the klepe hot with a side of sour cream or yogurt.

Note:

1- If you don't have ground meat on hand, you can substitute it with ground chicken or turkey.

2- You can also add herbs like parsley or dill to the meat filling for added flavor.

Nutrition Facts:

The nutrition information for Bosnian klepe can vary depending on the type of meat used and the serving size. However, here are the approximate nutrition facts for one serving (4 klepe) made with ground beef:

• Calories: 320
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 135mg
• Sodium: 1220mg
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g
• Protein: 21g

Here are the approximate nutritional values for each ingredient based on common nutritional data:

1 pound of ground beef or lamb:

• Calories: 1132 kcal
• Protein: 93g
• Fat: 82g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Protein: Ground beef or lamb is rich in high-quality protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Iron: It provides iron, important for oxygen transport in the blood and overall energy levels.

1 small onion, finely chopped:

• Calories: 32 kcal
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits:

• Antioxidants: Onions contain antioxidants like quercetin, which help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
• Vitamins and Minerals: They are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium, which support immune function and heart health.

2 cloves of garlic, minced:

• Calories: 8 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Immune Support: Garlic has antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties that can help fight off infections and support overall immune health.
• Heart Health: It may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease.

1 tablespoon of salt:

• Calories: 0 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Electrolyte Balance: Salt is essential for maintaining electrolyte balance in the body, which is crucial for nerve function, muscle contraction, and hydration.

1 tablespoon of paprika:

• Calories: 19 kcal
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits:

• Vitamin C: Paprika contains vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function and skin health.
• Capsaicin: It may help boost metabolism and aid in weight management.

1/4 teaspoon of black pepper:

• Calories: 1 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Enhanced Nutrient Absorption: Black pepper contains piperine, which enhances the absorption of nutrients from other foods.
• Antioxidants: It contains antioxidants that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

2 cups of flour:

• Calories: 912 kcal
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 191g
• Fiber: 7g

benefits:

• Energy Source: Flour provides carbohydrates, the body's primary source of energy.
• Fiber: Depending on the type of flour, it may contain dietary fiber, which supports digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar levels.

2 eggs:

• Calories: 140 kcal
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• High-Quality Protein: Eggs are a complete protein source, providing all nine essential amino acids necessary for muscle building and repair.
• Nutrient-Rich: They are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, vitamin B12, and choline, which support brain health and metabolism.

1/2 cup of water:

• Calories: 0 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Hydration: Water is essential for maintaining hydration and supporting various bodily functions, including digestion, nutrient absorption, and temperature regulation.

Salt and pepper to taste (not included in nutritional values as it depends on individual usage).

benefits:

• Flavor Enhancement: Salt and pepper enhance the flavor of the dish, making it more enjoyable to eat.
• Electrolytes and Antioxidants: In moderation, they contribute small amounts of electrolytes and antioxidants to the diet.

These values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as the specific type and brand of ingredients used.

It's important to note that the nutrition facts may vary depending on the exact ingredients and quantities used.