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Piragi are traditional Latvian bacon buns that hold a special place in Latvian cuisine and culture. These savory pastries, filled with a flavorful mixture of bacon, onions, and spices, are a beloved comfort food enjoyed during holidays, celebrations, and everyday meals alike. Making piragi from scratch allows you to experience the rich flavors and warm memories associated with this iconic Latvian dish.

Ingredients:

4 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup milk

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/4 cup sour cream

1 large egg

1 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1 package active dry yeast

1 lb bacon, diced

2 onions, finely chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

In a small saucepan, heat the milk until warm but not boiling. Remove from heat and stir in the sugar and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the yeast mixture, sour cream, and beaten egg to the flour mixture. Stir until a dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size. While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a skillet, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onions until translucent. Remove from heat and let cool. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into small balls, about the size of golf balls. Roll out each ball into a circle. Place a spoonful of the bacon and onion mixture onto each circle of dough. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges to seal. Arrange the filled dough balls on the prepared baking sheet and let them rise for an additional 15-20 minutes. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve warm and enjoy!

Serving:

Piragi are best served warm, straight from the oven. They make a delicious appetizer, snack, or accompaniment to soups and salads. Enjoy them with a dollop of sour cream or mustard for extra flavor.

Bringing the taste of Latvia into your kitchen is easy with this homemade piragi recipe. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a taste of authentic Latvian cuisine, these savory bacon buns are sure to delight your taste buds and warm your heart.