Crispy Beef and Potato Puff Pastry Piroshki with Garlic Dip

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### **Instructions:**

#### 1. **Prepare the Beef and Potato Filling**
– In a medium saucepan, bring **water to a boil** and add the **diced potato**. Cook the potato for about **10 minutes**, or until fork-tender. Drain and set aside.
– In a large skillet, **heat olive oil** over medium heat. Add the **chopped onion** and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until softened.
– Add the **ground beef** to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for about 7-10 minutes, until browned and fully cooked through.
– Stir in the **garlic**, **salt**, **pepper**, **thyme**, and **paprika** (if using). Cook for another minute until fragrant.
– Add the cooked **potatoes** to the beef mixture, mashing them slightly with a spoon or fork to combine. Mix until the filling is well combined and the flavors meld together. Set aside to cool slightly.

#### 2. **Prepare the Garlic Dip**
– In a small bowl, combine the **sour cream**, **mayonnaise**, **minced garlic**, **lemon juice**, **salt**, and **pepper**. Stir well to combine. If you like, you can add some freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
– Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Refrigerate the garlic dip until you’re ready to serve.

#### 3. **Assemble the Piroshki**
– Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)** and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
– On a lightly floured surface, **roll out the puff pastry** sheet to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cutter (about 4 inches in diameter) to cut out circles of dough.
– Place a spoonful of the **beef and potato filling** in the center of each dough circle, being careful not to overfill.
– **Fold the pastry** in half to create a half-moon shape, pinching the edges to seal the filling inside. You can also crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch.
– Transfer the prepared piroshki to the prepared baking sheet. **Brush each piroshki** with the beaten egg to give them a golden, glossy finish when baked.

#### 4. **Bake the Piroshki**
– Bake the piroshki in the preheated oven for **20-25 minutes**, or until they are golden brown and crispy on top. Keep an eye on them toward the end to avoid over-browning.

#### 5. **Serve**
– Once baked, remove the piroshki from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
– Serve the **crispy piroshki** with the **garlic dip** on the side for dipping.

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## Tips for Success

### 1. **Customize the Filling**
– While beef and potato are the classic filling combination for piroshki, feel free to get creative! You can add other ingredients like **cheese**, **mushrooms**, **spinach**, or even **sausage** for a different twist on the classic recipe.

### 2. **Make Your Own Puff Pastry**
– If you’re feeling adventurous and want to take your piroshki to the next level, you can make your own **puff pastry** from scratch. However, store-bought puff pastry is a great time-saving option and will still give you deliciously crispy results.

### 3. **Freezing the Piroshki**
– You can make a batch of piroshki in advance and freeze them before baking. Simply arrange the filled and assembled piroshki on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze them until firm, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

### 4. **Add Some Spice**
– If you like a little kick, feel free to add some **chili flakes** or **hot sauce** to the filling. You can also spice up the garlic dip with a bit of **sriracha** or **hot mustard** for a zesty twist.

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## Why These Piroshki Are a Must-Try

**Crispy Beef and Potato Puff Pastry Piroshki with Garlic Dip** are more than just a snack—they’re an experience. The combination of flaky, buttery pastry, savory beef and potato filling, and rich garlic dip makes for a satisfying treat that will impress your family and guests. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a party snack, or a comforting meal, these piroshki are sure to become a new favorite.

So, roll up your sleeves and give these irresistible piroshki a try—you’ll love the crispy, savory goodness in every bite!