Introducing our delightful Pirozhki recipe, a savory pastry filled with a delectable mixture of meat, onions, eggs, and herbs, wrapped in a flaky, golden crust. Originating from Russian cuisine, these handheld treats are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends and family. With just a few simple ingredients and some love in the kitchen, you can create these mouthwatering pirozhki that will surely become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Let’s dive into the culinary adventure of making these irresistible pirozhki:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of unsalted butter
- 8 tablespoons of butter
- 8 onions
- 8 – 12 hard-boiled eggs
- 4 tablespoons of fresh dill leaves
- 3 teaspoons of salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of black pepper
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Dough:
- In a deep bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, unsalted butter, and lard.
- Use your fingers to rub the flour and fat together until they resemble flakes of coarse meal.
- Pour in 8 tablespoons of ice water all at once and gather the dough into a ball.
- If the dough crumbles, gradually add up to 4 tablespoons more of ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the particles adhere.
- Wrap the ball of dough in wax paper and chill it in the refrigerator for about 1 hour.
-
Shape the Pastry:
- On a lightly floured surface, shape the chilled pastry into a rough rectangle about 1 inch thick.
- Roll the pastry into a strip approximately 21 inches long and 6 inches wide.
- Fold the pastry into thirds and roll it out lengthwise into a 21-by-6-inch strip.
- Repeat this process twice more, ending with the folded packet.
- Wrap the pastry in wax paper and refrigerate it for an additional hour.
-
Prepare the Filling:
- In a heavy 10-to 12-inch skillet, melt the butter over high heat.
- Add the onions and cook them over moderate heat for 8 to 10 minutes until they are soft and transparent.
- Stir in the lean ground beef and cook briskly until no traces of pink remain.
- Grind the meat-and-onion mixture through the finest blade of a meat grinder or finely chop it with a knife.
- Combine the meat mixture in a large bowl with hard-boiled eggs, chopped fresh dill leaves, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly and taste for seasoning.
-
Assemble and Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle about 1/8 inch thick.
- Using a 3 to 3 1/2-inch cookie cutter, cut out as many circles as you can.
- Gather the scraps, reroll the dough, and cut out additional circles as needed.
- Place 2 tablespoons of the prepared filling in the center of each dough circle and flatten the filling slightly.
- Fold one long side of the dough up over the filling, almost covering it.
- Fold in the two ends of the dough about 1/2 inch, and then fold over the remaining long side of the dough to enclose the filling completely.
- Place the assembled pirozhki, seam sides down, on a buttered baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until golden brown and deliciously aromatic.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once baked to perfection, remove the pirozhki from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
- These savory pastries are best enjoyed warm, either as a delightful appetizer or a satisfying snack.
- Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them as they are, bursting with flavor and homemade goodness.
With their golden, flaky crust and savory filling, these homemade pirozhki are sure to impress your taste buds and satisfy your cravings for comfort food with a Russian twist. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary enthusiast looking to try something new, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who appreciates the joys of homemade baking and hearty, flavorful meals. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s embark on a culinary journey to create these delicious pirozhki that will surely become a beloved favorite in your kitchen repertoire.
