Welcome to our culinary journey into the heart of Russian cuisine! Today, we invite you to delve into the rich tradition of pelmeni – delectable dumplings bursting with savoury fillings, embraced by a tender, handmade dough. These little pockets of flavour have been cherished in Russian households for generations, offering comfort and warmth during cold winter nights and celebrating the joy of gathering around the table with loved ones.
We’ll guide you through the process of crafting these delightful delicacies from scratch. From mixing and kneading the dough to filling each dumpling with a mouthwatering blend of seasoned meats, we’ll unravel the secrets behind creating pelmeni that embody the essence of Russian culinary heritage.
So, roll up your sleeves, dust off your rolling pin, and prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalise your taste buds and transport you to the cosy kitchens of Russia. Let’s dive in and discover the magic of home-made pelmeni together!
Ingredients:
For the dough:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup water (adjust as needed)
Filling:
– 1/2 pound ground beef
– 1/2 pound ground pork
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
For serving:
– Sour cream
– Melted butter
– Fresh dill (optional)
Instructions:
Make the dough:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
2. Make a well in the centre of the flour mixture and add the egg.
3. Gradually add water while mixing until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
Prepare the filling:
1. In another mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Assemble the pelmeni:
1. Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick.
2. Use a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out circles from the dough.
3. Place a small amount of filling (about 1/2 teaspoon) in the centre of each dough circle.
4. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
5. Pinch the edges of the dough together firmly to seal the filling inside.
Cook the Pelmeni:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Carefully drop the pelmeni into the boiling water, a few at a time, making sure they don’t stick together.
3. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the pelmeni float to the surface and are cooked through.
4. Remove the cooked pelmeni with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a serving dish.
Serve:
1. Serve the pelmeni hot, topped with sour cream, melted butter, and fresh dill if desired.
2. Enjoy your delicious home-made Russian pelmeni!
Feel free to adjust the seasoning and filling according to your taste preferences. Enjoy your meal!
