Easy Polish Pierogi that freezes well Tarun Sehgal from tarunsehgal.com
Introduction
Pierogies are a traditional Polish dish that have gained popularity worldwide due to their delicious taste and versatility. These dumplings are made of dough filled with various savory or sweet fillings such as potatoes, cheese, sauerkraut, mushrooms, onions, and even fruits. Pierogies can be boiled, fried, or baked, and can be served as a main course, side dish, or snack. In this article, we will share our ultimate pierogies recipe that is easy to follow, customizable, and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need to make pierogies from scratch: For the dough: - 3 cups all-purpose flour - 1 tsp salt - 1 egg - 1/2 cup sour cream - 1/2 cup warm water - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted For the filling: - 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced - 1 onion, chopped - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/4 cup unsalted butter - Salt and pepper to taste For the toppings: - 1/2 cup chopped bacon - 1/2 cup chopped onions - 1/2 cup sour cream - Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. To make the dough, mix the flour and salt in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, sour cream, warm water, and melted butter until smooth. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and knead until the dough comes together. Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes. 2. To make the filling, boil the potatoes until tender. Drain and mash the potatoes, and add the chopped onion, shredded cheese, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it cool. 3. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/8 inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles of dough. Spoon a tablespoon of filling onto each circle, fold in half, and seal the edges by pressing them together with a fork. 4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pierogies, a few at a time, and cook for 3-5 minutes or until they float to the surface. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel. 5. To make the toppings, fry the bacon and onions in a pan until crispy. Serve the pierogies hot with a dollop of sour cream and the bacon and onions on top. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Nutrition
This pierogies recipe makes about 24 dumplings. The nutritional information per serving (2 pierogies) is as follows: - Calories: 271 - Total fat: 12g - Saturated fat: 7g - Cholesterol: 53mg - Sodium: 387mg - Total carbohydrates: 33g - Dietary fiber: 2g - Sugars: 1g - Protein: 7g
Variations
Pierogies can be filled with a variety of ingredients to suit your taste. Here are some popular fillings: - Potato and cheese - Sauerkraut and mushroom - Cottage cheese and onion - Ground meat and onion - Blueberry or strawberry You can also experiment with different cooking methods such as frying the pierogies in butter or baking them in the oven.
Tips
Here are some tips to help you make perfect pierogies: - Use floury potatoes such as Russets for a smoother filling. - Make sure the dough is not too thick or too thin, or it will affect the texture of the pierogies. - Don't overfill the pierogies, or they will burst during cooking. - To freeze the pierogies, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Cook the frozen pierogies in boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
Conclusion
With this ultimate pierogies recipe, you can enjoy this delicious and comforting dish anytime. Whether you prefer savory or sweet pierogies, there are endless possibilities to customize the filling and toppings. Making pierogies from scratch may seem daunting, but with a little patience and practice, you can impress your family and friends with your culinary skills. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out!