Fychin is a traditional Ossetian meat pie with a soft, fluffy dough and a juicy, flavorful filling — a must-try for lovers of hearty comfort food. It’s especially popular in the Caucasus region and is often served during holidays or family gatherings. This recipe brings authentic taste and aroma to your table, and with a little effort, you’ll be rewarded with a homemade pie that rivals any bakery version.
Ingredients for the dough:
- 150 ml kefir
- 100 ml water
- 50 ml oil
- 45 g butter
- 500 g flour
- ½ tsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp dry yeast
Ingredients for the filling:
- 700 g Beef mince
- ½ onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 bunch of fresh herbs
- ½ tsp Begqondara
- Beef broth or water (optional)
- Ground black or red pepper – to taste
Preparation:
- In a large bowl, mix warm water and sugar, then add the dry active yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Add kefir, salt, oil, and 25 g of melted butter to the mixture.
- Gradually add flour and knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour. Once risen, place the dough on an oiled surface.
- For the filling, mix the ground beef with chopped herbs, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add a little water or broth and stir thoroughly.
- Divide the dough into three equal parts. Flatten each into a round shape and place one-third of the filling in the center.
- Seal the dough by bringing the edges together at the top and shaping it into a ball.
- Carefully place the pie seam-side down in a greased baking dish. Flatten it to cover the entire bottom, and poke a small hole in the center to allow steam to escape.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 250°C (480°F) for about 15 minutes. Repeat the process with the remaining two portions.
- Once baked, brush the hot pies with the remaining melted butter.
Enjoy your homemade fychin warm — crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside!
