Description
Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls are a savory and flavorful snack featuring soft, homemade dough filled with a spicy chili mixture made from ground meat or beans, fresh chillies, and aromatic spices. Baked to golden perfection and brushed with garlic-infused butter, these dough balls are perfect as an appetizer or a hearty snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)
Chilli Filling Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked ground beef or ground turkey (optional for a meaty filling)
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed (or black beans)
- 1-2 fresh chillies, finely chopped (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for a cheesy filling)
Garlic Butter Topping
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir to dissolve and let sit for 5-10 minutes, or until frothy.
- Mix Dough Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, then stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Let Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare Chilli Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, heat a bit of oil. If using meat, add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add Spices: Stir in chopped fresh chillies, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook Filling Base: Add tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes until flavors meld. Stir in kidney beans and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Add Cheese: Once cooled, mix in shredded cheddar cheese if using. Set aside.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape Dough Pieces: Punch down the risen dough and turn onto a floured surface. Divide into 12 equal pieces.
- Stuff Dough Balls: Flatten each piece into a small disk. Place a spoonful of chili filling in the center, then fold edges over filling, sealing to form a ball. Repeat for all pieces.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place dough balls on prepared sheet, spacing about 1 inch apart.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: Mix melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt in a small bowl.
- Apply Egg Wash: Optionally brush tops of dough balls with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Brush with Garlic Butter: Immediately brush hot dough balls with garlic butter mixture.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.
Notes
- Adjust fresh chillies quantity based on your preferred heat level.
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground beef or omit meat for a vegetarian version.
- For a vegan alternative, replace cheese with vegan cheese and use olive oil instead of butter.
- Egg wash is optional but helps achieve a shiny, golden crust.
- Ensure the chili filling is cooled completely before stuffing the dough to prevent sogginess.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
