Frugal Gourmet's Ukrainian Pagach

Delight in the comforting flavors of "Frugal Gourmet's Ukrainian Pagach," a traditional bread stuffed with velvety potato filling and baked to golden perfection. This recipe combines a soft, homemade yeast dough with a rich, buttery mash of potatoes, cream cheese, and a touch of black pepper, creating a luscious and hearty dish that’s perfect for any meal. With simple pantry staples like flour, yeast, and potatoes, this budget-friendly recipe brings a taste of Eastern Europe to your kitchen. Whether served as a side, a snack, or a centerpiece dish, this savory Ukrainian Pagach is sure to impress with its rustic charm and satisfying flavors. Perfectly baked and brushed with an egg wash, it boasts a beautiful golden crust that seals in all the goodness inside.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 4 cups Flour
• 1 packet Active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons Sugar
• 1.25 cups Warm water
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 3 tablespoons Vegetable oil
• 4 medium Potatoes
• 4 tablespoons Butter
• 0.5 cups Cream cheese or farmer's cheese
• 1 teaspoon Salt (for filling)
• 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
• 1 large Egg
• 2 tablespoons Milk

Directions

Step 1

In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water and sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until foamy.

Step 2

In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and vegetable oil. Mix until a soft dough forms.

Step 3

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place it in an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 4

Peel and boil the potatoes until tender. Drain and mash them with the butter, cream cheese or farmer’s cheese, salt, and black pepper. Set aside and let it cool slightly.

Step 5

Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal halves.

Step 6

Roll out one half of the dough into a circle or rectangle to fit a greased baking pan (about 9x13 inches). Place the dough in the pan and spread the potato mixture evenly over the top.

Step 7

Roll out the second half of the dough into a similar shape, then place it over the potato filling. Pinch the edges to seal.

Step 8

In a small bowl, beat the egg with the milk to create an egg wash. Brush the top of the dough with this mixture.

Step 9

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Allow the assembled Pagach to rest for 15 minutes while the oven heats.

Step 10

Bake the Pagach for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy warm!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1927.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3901.6

Total Fat 141.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 58.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 28.6g
Cholesterol 476.7mg	0%
Sodium 5454.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 572.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 32.4g	0%
Total Sugars 41.7g
Protein 88.1g	0%

Vitamin D 75.7IU	0%
Calcium 385.7mg	0%
Iron 32.9mg	0%
Potassium 5207.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 32.5%

Protein: 9.0%

Carbs: 58.5%