Ukrainian Perogies for Beginners
Introduction:
Nothing compares to the satisfaction of biting into a freshly cooked perogy, its warm, comforting goodness stealing your taste buds away. In my family, making perogies is a cherished tradition, an annual event that brings us together for a day of culinary delight. These Ukrainian perogies are not only a labor of love but also surprisingly easy to make, especially with these detailed instructions. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to embark on a delicious journey into the heart of Eastern European cuisine.
- Cuisine: Ukrainian
- Category: Lunch/Snacks
- Keywords: Cheese, Vegetable, Polish, European, Kid Friendly, Potluck, < 60 Mins, Stove Top
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup mashed potatoes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2-3 potatoes, boiled and mashed
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1 egg
Instructions:
-
Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, milk, mashed potatoes, and salt to form a dough.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more flour or liquid as needed. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead gently until smooth. Avoid over-kneading.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rest for 30 minutes.
-
Filling:
- In a skillet, cook the chopped onion in butter until soft and translucent.
- Mix the cooked onion with boiled mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, and fresh dill. Allow the mixture to cool before using.
-
Assembly:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Form walnut-sized balls of the filling mixture.
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough thinly (about 3mm thick). Cut out circles approximately 3 inches in diameter.
- Place a filling ball in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-circle and pinch the edges firmly to seal.
- To prevent the perogies from drying out, keep them on a floured surface and cover with a clean dishcloth.
-
Cooking:
- Carefully drop several perogies into the boiling water. Stir gently to prevent sticking.
- Cook the perogies until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked perogies from the water and drain.
- Drizzle melted butter over the cooked perogies and gently shake to distribute the butter evenly.
-
Serve:
- Transfer the perogies to a serving dish and enjoy them hot, with sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce.
- Don’t forget to cook and enjoy the platzkies, the leftover dough dumplings, following the same procedure.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 49.8
- Fat: 2.2g
- Saturated Fat: 1.2g
- Cholesterol: 5.4mg
- Sodium: 73.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 6.1g
- Fiber: 0.4g
- Sugar: 0.2g
- Protein: 1.4g
Tips:
- If the dough becomes too sticky while rolling, sprinkle some flour on the surface.
- Experiment with different fillings such as mashed sweet potatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or cooked bacon for a variety of flavors.
- Freeze any leftover perogies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag once frozen solid. Cook directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
Conclusion:
These Ukrainian perogies are a delightful treat for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a potluck, serving them as a snack, or enjoying them as a comforting lunch. With a little practice, you’ll master the art of making these savory dumplings, creating memories that will last a lifetime. So gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and let the perogy-making festivities begin!