Mataz facts for kids
Mataz and haliva
|
|
| Alternative names | Psyhaluje, haluš, or Circassian ravioli |
|---|---|
| Type | Dumpling |
| Main ingredients | Dough: flour, eggs, water. Filling: Mashed potatoes, spiced meat (lamb or ground beef), mushrooms, cheese, greens, sauerkraut, onions, garlic. |
Mataz (Circassian: мэтазэ) are tasty, filled dumplings from Circassian cuisine. They are also known as psyhaluje (Circassian: псыхьалыжъо) or haluš. These delicious pockets of dough are wrapped around a filling and then cooked in boiling water. Think of them like a type of ravioli or pierogi, but with their own special Circassian twist!
Contents
What Are Mataz?
Mataz are a popular dish in the Circassian culture. They are a type of dumpling, which means they have a soft outer layer of dough and a yummy filling inside. They are a comforting and hearty meal, often enjoyed by families.
How Mataz Are Made
Making Mataz starts with the dough. It's a simple dough made by mixing flour and warm water. Sometimes, an egg is added to make it even richer. This dough is then rolled out flat, like a big sheet.
Next, the dough is cut into small squares or circles. You can use a knife for squares or even a cup or drinking glass to make perfect circles! These small pieces of dough are then ready to be filled.
Delicious Fillings for Mataz
The best part about Mataz is their amazing fillings! They can be stuffed with many different ingredients.
Classic Potato and Onion
A very common filling is mashed potatoes mixed with fried onions. This creates a soft, savory, and comforting center for the dumplings.
Meaty and Veggie Options
Mataz can also have a spiced meat mixture. This usually includes lamb or ground beef. Sometimes, greens, sauerkraut, and onions are added to the meat for extra flavor. All these ingredients are carefully placed inside the dough wrapper.
Other Tasty Fillings
If you don't eat meat, don't worry! Mataz can also be filled with mushrooms or cheese. These options make Mataz a versatile dish that many people can enjoy. Once filled, the dumplings are either boiled in water or steamed until they are perfectly cooked.
Serving Up Mataz
Mataz are often served with delicious toppings. You might find them with melted butter poured over them, or with fried onions. Sometimes, both melted butter and fried onions are used together! While not traditional, some people also enjoy Mataz with sour cream or yogurt.
Similar Dumplings Around the World
Mataz are related to other famous dumplings from different cultures. They are quite similar to halušky, which are popular in Central Europe, and pierogi (also called varenyky), which are well-known in Eastern European cuisine. Each of these dumplings has its own unique touch, but they all share the idea of a tasty filling wrapped in dough.
