Imagine the warm aroma of savory meats mingling with the soft, buttery notes of freshly cooked dough wafting through your kitchen.
Russian dumplings, or pelmeni, are a comforting embrace of flavors and textures that are surprisingly easy to make.
As the tender dough wraps around the seasoned beef and pork filling, each bite promises a hearty and satisfying experience.
Let’s bring this delicious, traditional dish to life in your own home.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Rolling pin
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Skimmer or slotted spoon
- 1 Plate
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 200 grams ground beef
- 200 grams ground pork
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while making Russian Dumplings, you can follow this timeline that includes prep work, cooking activities, and additional time needed for reading and understanding the recipe:
- Reading and Preparation (10 minutes)
- Spend a few minutes reading through the entire recipe to understand the steps and gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment.
- Dough Preparation (10 minutes)
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Add water, milk, and egg to the flour mixture and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough until smooth and elastic.
- Dough Resting (30 minutes)
- Let the dough rest for 30 minutes. During this time, you can prepare the filling.
- Filling Preparation (10 minutes)
- In another bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, onion, garlic, pepper, and paprika.
- Rolling and Cutting Dough (15 minutes)
- Roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness using a rolling pin.
- Cut the dough into circles using a round cutter or a glass.
- Filling and Sealing Dumplings (10 minutes)
- Place a teaspoon of meat mixture in the center of each circle.
- Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges to seal.
- Cooking Dumplings (10 minutes)
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Carefully drop dumplings into the boiling water and cook for about 8-10 minutes.
- Use this time to clean up the workspace.
- Serving (5 minutes)
- Remove the dumplings using a skimmer or slotted spoon and place them on a plate.
- Melt butter and pour over the dumplings, then serve with a dollop of sour cream.
Note: Adjust the timeline if you find yourself needing a bit more or less time for certain tasks.
Recipe Instructions
In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
Add water, milk, and egg to the flour mixture and mix until a dough forms.
Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, then let it rest for 30 minutes.
In another bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, onion, garlic, pepper, and paprika.
Roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness using a rolling pin.
Cut the dough into circles using a round cutter or a glass.
Place a teaspoon of meat mixture in the center of each circle.
Fold the dough over the filling, pinching the edges to seal.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Carefully drop dumplings into the boiling water and cook for about 8-10 minutes.
Remove the dumplings using a skimmer or slotted spoon and place them on a plate.
Melt butter and pour over the dumplings, then serve with a dollop of sour cream.
Serving Tips
- Steamed Vegetables: Pair with a side of steamed vegetables like carrots or green beans for a balanced meal.
- Pickled Vegetables: Serve with traditional Russian pickled vegetables such as sauerkraut or pickled cucumbers for an authentic touch.
- Herb Salad: Accompany with a fresh herb salad featuring dill, parsley, and chives to complement the flavors of the dumplings.
- Potato Pancakes: Add a side of crispy potato pancakes for a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Borscht: Enjoy as a starter or alongside a bowl of hot borscht for a truly classic Russian dining experience.
Storage
To store Russian dumplings, freeze them on a tray first.
Then, transfer them to an airtight container.
Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the boiling time.
Freezing
To freeze Russian dumplings, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Freeze until solid.
Then transfer to a sealed container.
Cook from frozen for best results.
Reheating
To reheat Russian dumplings, steam them for a few minutes until hot.
Alternatively, sauté them in a buttered pan for a crispy texture.
Avoid microwaving to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Final Thoughts
Russian dumplings, often referred to as “pelmeni,” are a delightful and hearty dish that showcases the rich flavors of Russian cuisine.
They’re perfect for a cozy meal and can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Once you’ve mastered the technique of making the dough and filling, you’ll find that these dumplings aren’t only delicious but also quite rewarding to prepare.
Remember to let the dough rest adequately to achieve the perfect texture.
Confirm the edges are sealed well to maintain the integrity of the dumplings during cooking.
With a drizzle of butter and a dollop of sour cream, these dumplings transform into a comforting and satisfying dish.
Enjoy crafting and savoring this traditional Russian delicacy at your next meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
You can swap whole wheat flour for all-purpose. Expect a denser texture and nuttier taste. Knead carefully, as whole wheat absorbs more moisture. Roll thinner for tenderness. Flour’s aroma will enhance your cooking experience, adding depth.
Are There Vegetarian Alternatives for the Meat Filling?
You can swap the meat with a mixture of mushrooms, cabbage, and onions. Sauté them until fragrant and tender. The earthy mushrooms combined with sweet cabbage create a flavorful, satisfying filling that’s perfect for any palate.
How Can I Make the Dough Gluten-Free?
You’ll transform the dough into gluten-free heaven by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Make certain it’s smooth by kneading gently and let it rest, capturing the dough’s elasticity and velvety texture with precision.
Can I Substitute a Different Meat for the Beef and Pork?
You can substitute chicken or turkey for a lighter flavor, or try lamb for a richer, gamey taste. The meat’s aroma will infuse the dumplings with a new depth, enhancing the savory profile beautifully.
What Are Some Traditional Russian Side Dishes to Serve With Dumplings?
You can enhance your meal with a vibrant beet salad, offering a sweet, earthy flavor. Add a creamy cucumber and dill salad for freshness. Braised cabbage provides a comforting, savory depth that complements the main dish perfectly.
Russian Dumplings
Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Rolling Pin
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Skimmer or slotted spoon
- 1 plate
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 200 grams ground beef
- 200 grams ground pork
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Add water, milk, and egg to the flour mixture and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, then let it rest for 30 minutes.
- In another bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, onion, garlic, pepper, and paprika.
- Roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness using a rolling pin.
- Cut the dough into circles using a round cutter or a glass.
- Place a teaspoon of meat mixture in the center of each circle.
- Fold the dough over the filling, pinching the edges to seal.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Carefully drop dumplings into the boiling water and cook for about 8-10 minutes.
- Remove the dumplings using a skimmer or slotted spoon and place them on a plate.
- Melt butter and pour over the dumplings, then serve with a dollop of sour cream.
Notes
