Kibinai - Traditional Karaite Meat Pies

Name: Kibinai - Traditional Karaite Meat Pies
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Eastern European
Ingredients: 500 g all-purpose flour; 100 g butter; 150 g sour cream or Greek yogurt; 2 eggs eggs; 0.5 tsp salt; 450 g beef; 1 onion onion; salt; black pepper; water (optional for juiciness)

Kibinai are traditional Karaite meat pies from Eastern Europe. This is a home-style version I’ve been cooking for years. The recipe combines a soft, buttery dough with a savory meat filling, creating a comforting and delicious dish perfect for sharing with family and friends.

For best results, I use my easy all-purpose savory dough.

Traditionally, kibinai are served with a warm, light meat broth, which makes them even juicier.

Watch the full step-by-step process on my YouTube channel...

sour cream or Greek yogurt

water (optional for juiciness)

Calories

543.3kcal (27.17%)

Protein

26.9g (53.84%)

Carbs

37.8g (13.73%)

Step 1

Mix flour and butter until crumbly.

Step 2

Add sour cream or Greek yogurt, eggs, and salt. Knead into a soft dough.

Step 3

Chill the dough for 30 minutes.

Step 1

Cut the meat into small cubes and finely chop the onion.

Step 2

Season the filling with salt and black pepper.

Step 3

Add a little water (about 50 ml) for juiciness if desired.

Step 1

Roll out the dough and cut circles. The diameter of each circle should match the desired length of the pie.

Step 2

Add the filling to the dough circles

Step 3

Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape and gently press the edges together.

Step 4

Starting from one end, create the braid by pinching a small section of dough from the top edge and folding it over toward the center, pressing it lightly. Move a little to the side and repeat, overlapping each pinch slightly over the previous one. Continue along the edge until you reach the other end. The result should be a neat, slightly raised braided seam that seals the pie and gives kibinai their traditional look.

Step 5

Brush the pies with egg wash.

Step 6

Bake at 200°C (400 °F) for 30 minutes until lightly golden.