Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef or mutton
  
• 2 onions, finely diced
  
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  
• 5 cups flour
  
• 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
  
• 1 egg, beaten
  
• 1/2 - 3/4 cups warm water
  
• Pepper to taste
  

Directions

• Combine meat, onions, and oil in large mixing bowl.
  
• Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  
• Set aside.
  
• Sift flour and salt in a large mixing bowl and make a well in the center.
  
• Pour egg and 1/2 cup water into center of flour.
  
• Mix with hands, adding remaining water by the tablespoon until dough forms but is not sticky.
  
• Knead dough 2 minutes; let rest 30 minutes.
  
• Transfer dough to floured board and divide into 4 equal pieces.
  
• Roll each piece to 1/8-inch thickness.
  
• Use a small glass to cut dough into circles.
  
• Place 1/2 tablespoon of meat mixture atop dough.
  
• Dip fingers into warm water and fold dough into half-moon shape.
  
• Bring corners together and pinch to hold.
  
• Cook in a large pot of boiling salted water until they float to the top, about 10 minutes.
  
• Serve in a broth or on their own, topped with sour cream, butter, or chili paste.
  

Alternative

To make potato dumplings, replace the meat with mashed potatoes and omit one onion.

#maindish