Chicken Stuffed Mashed Potato Pide

This chicken-stuffed mashed potato pide combines the comforting flavors of mashed potatoes with the savory goodness of chicken, all wrapped in a soft, golden pide dough. It’s a hearty and flavorful dish that makes a perfect meal for any occasion. The mashed potatoes are flavored with creamy cheese and chicken, while the pide dough adds a delightful crispy base. This Turkish-inspired dish will surely become a family favorite, offering a delicious twist on traditional pide.

Preparation Time

  • Preparation time: 40 minutes
  • Cooking time: 45 minutes
  • Total time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Ingredients

  • For the Chicken Filling:

    • 500g ground chicken
    • 2 eggs
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon paprika powder
    • 1 teaspoon ground dried garlic
    • 70g breadcrumbs
    • 2 tablespoons tomato sauce
    • 1 onion, finely chopped
    • A handful of dill and parsley, finely chopped
    • 1 red pepper, finely chopped
  • For the Pide Dough:

    • 450g all-purpose flour (about 3.5 cups)
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 15g fresh yeast (or 1 teaspoon dry yeast)
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 cup warm water
    • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • For the Mashed Potatoes:

    • 4 large potatoes, boiled and mashed
    • ½ cup milk
    • 2 tablespoons butter
    • 1 cup grated cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella)
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • For the Egg Wash:

    • 1 egg, beaten

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until frothy.
  2. Mix the Dough Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
  3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  4. Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Filling

  1. Cook the Chicken: In a large pan, heat a little oil over medium heat and cook the ground chicken until browned.
  2. Add Vegetables and Spices: Add the chopped onion, red pepper, and garlic, and cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
  3. Mix the Filling: Add the eggs, breadcrumbs, tomato sauce, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic, and fresh dill and parsley to the chicken mixture. Stir well to combine and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

  1. Mash the Potatoes: Boil and mash the potatoes until smooth.
  2. Add Dairy: Stir in the butter and milk to make the mashed potatoes creamy and soft. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Mix in the Cheese: Stir in the grated cheese to the mashed potatoes for extra creaminess and flavor.

Step 4: Assemble the Pide

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F).
  2. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into an oval shape, about 8-10 inches long.
  3. Add the Fillings: Spread a layer of mashed potatoes along the center of each dough oval, leaving a border around the edges. Top with a generous amount of the chicken filling.
  4. Shape the Pide: Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, leaving the center exposed, and pinch the ends to form a boat-like shape.
  5. Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the edges of the pide with the beaten egg for a golden finish.

Step 5: Bake the Pide

  1. Bake: Place the pides on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the dough is golden and the filling is cooked through.
  2. Serve: Remove the pides from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Cooking Tips:

  • Use Different Fillings: You can substitute the ground chicken with ground beef, lamb, or even vegetables for a vegetarian version of this pide.
  • Make it Spicy: Add chili flakes or a chopped green chili to the chicken mixture for a spicy kick.
  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough and fillings ahead of time, then assemble and bake the pides when ready to serve.
  • Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like feta, mozzarella, or a sharp cheddar for a unique flavor profile.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Estimated)

  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sodium: 600mg

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken stuffed mashed potato pide combines the best of both worlds—creamy mashed potatoes and savory chicken filling, all wrapped in a golden, flaky dough. This dish is comforting, flavorful, and satisfying. It’s perfect for a hearty family meal, and its unique combination of ingredients makes it a memorable dish that everyone will love.

Health Benefits of This Recipe
This pide provides a good amount of protein from the chicken and cheese, as well as carbohydrates from the potatoes and dough. The vegetables in the filling offer fiber, vitamins, and minerals. While it’s an indulgent dish, it can be part of a balanced meal when paired with a light salad or roasted vegetables.

Serving Suggestions
Serve this chicken stuffed mashed potato pide with a side salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the richness of the dish. You can also enjoy it on its own as a hearty snack or meal.

Variations to Try

  • Vegetarian Pide: Swap the ground chicken for lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based meat substitute.
  • Extra Cheese: Add extra cheese inside the filling or sprinkle it on top for a cheesier version.
  • Spicy Pide: Add spicy chorizo or fresh chili peppers to the chicken filling for an extra kick.

Conclusion
This chicken stuffed mashed potato pide is a delicious and comforting dish that brings together savory chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, and flaky pastry. Perfect for any occasion, it’s sure to impress your family and friends with its rich flavors and satisfying texture. Whether served as a main dish or snack, this pide will be a favorite!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I make this ahead of time?
    Yes, you can prepare the filling and dough in advance. Assemble the pides and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

  • Can I freeze the pides?
    Yes, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked pides. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and bake directly from the freezer. Add extra baking time if necessary.

  • Can I use a different type of pastry?
    Yes, you can substitute puff pastry with shortcrust or phyllo dough, though the texture will be different.