Description
Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls are a delicious and savory treat featuring soft, fluffy dough filled with a spicy chili mixture made from kidney beans, fresh chilies, and aromatic spices, optionally enriched with ground meat and melted cheese. Baked to golden perfection and brushed with a flavorful garlic butter, these dough balls make an excellent appetizer, snack, or side dish, packed with bold flavors and delightful textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 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
- 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
- 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 the 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 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Cook the Meat (Optional): In a skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. If using meat, add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Spices and Chillies: Add the chopped fresh chilies, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Simmer with Tomato Paste and Beans: Add the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the flavors meld. Stir in the kidney beans and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Mix in Cheese: Once cooled, mix in the shredded cheddar cheese (if using). Set aside.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Divide Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces.
- Stuff the Dough Balls: Flatten each piece of dough into a small disk and place a spoonful of the chili filling in the center. Gently fold the edges of the dough over the filling, sealing the edges to form a ball. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, fresh parsley, and salt.
- Apply Egg Wash (Optional): Optionally, brush the tops of the dough balls with an egg wash (a beaten egg) for a golden finish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the dough balls are golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Brush with Garlic Butter: Once baked, immediately brush the hot dough balls with the garlic butter mixture to infuse them with rich garlic flavor.
- Serve: Let the garlic dough balls cool slightly before serving. They are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or alongside a meal!
Notes
- You can omit the meat and cheese for a vegetarian version using just beans and spices.
- Adjust the number of fresh chillies to control the heat level of the filling.
- The garlic butter can be prepared in advance to save time.
- Ensure the dough is well-kneaded for a fluffy texture.
- Egg wash is optional but recommended for a shiny, golden crust.
- Serve warm for the best flavor and texture experience.