Pam Moroukian wrote in asking for a recipe for payleh bereg
(spelling varies). She referred to a story she’d read on The Armenian Kitchen written back in 2011 about Nina Yousefian where this recipe was briefly
mentioned.
Pam searched through her aunt’s recipe box, but found no
recipe for payleh bereg, and hoped I could help find one.
Since I didn’t have this recipe, I contacted Nina directly.
She was happy to oblige and sent me the following recipe and photos.
Nina consulted with her priest and others fluent in
Armenian, and learned that ‘fava’ translates to “Pakla or Bakla”, so
the correct term is “Pakla-ov Beurag”.
This recipe was handed down by is Nina’s grandmother,
Arousiag Setian Shelengian, who would make it every year during Lent. Armenians
who lived in West Philadelphia, PA for about 40 years until the late 50’s-early
60’s came from different villages in Turkey. They all shared cooking skills
with each other and passed down family recipes to their children or grandchildren. This dish was more prevalent in the village
of Sepastia.
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| Nina Yousefian’s Payleh Beregs |
Pakla-ov Beurag (Fava bean, potato, and onion turnover) from Nina Yousefian
2 lbs. fava beans, shelled and cooked (NOTE: 2 cans fava beans, drained and rinsed may be
substituted. However, Nina says that canned fava beans tend to give a dark
appearance, and suggests that white beans are a good substitute.) 5 lbs. potatoes, cooked and peeled 3 lbs. onions, thinly
sliced, and sautéed until golden in approx. ½ cup olive oil and ¾ cup vegetable
oil
Filling Directions:
In a large bowl, mash together the beans, potatoes, and onions. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Add a dash of red pepper, if desired.
Dough Ingredients:
2 envelopes of yeast
3 1/2 cups warm water
2 eggs beaten
1 cup shortening, melted, including some butter 5-6 cups of flour
Garnish: Sesame seeds, optional
Dough Directions:
Dissolve yeast in about 1/4 cup (from the (31/2 cups) warm water. Mix liquid ingredients together, add salt, add flour, 1 cup
at a time until you have a soft dough. Knead dough until it is smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 1/2 hours; punch dough down once, and let rise again, about 1 hour. Shape dough into balls the size of walnuts. Let stand and rise, about 30 minutes.
Dough and Filling:
Working on a floured surface, roll out balls, one at a time, into 6-inch circles. Place a spoonful of filling on one half, fold
dough over filling and pinch edges together to form a seal. Prick tops of each with fork. Brush with
beaten egg on top. Sesame seeds may be
sprinkled on top, if desired.
Bake in a preheated 425° F oven for about 20 minutes or until
golden brown. Cool, and refrigerate until ready to serve.