Pierogi Ruskie, also known as Russian-style pierogi, are traditional Polish dumplings that have gained popularity around the world. These delectable dumplings are filled with a delicious combination of mashed potatoes, farmer’s cheese or ricotta cheese, and sautéed onions. The filling is savory, creamy, and bursting with flavor. The dough is typically made from a simple mixture of flour, water, and egg, rolled out and folded over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Pierogi Ruskie are boiled until they float to the surface, resulting in tender dumplings with a satisfying chew. They are often served with a dollop of sour cream, which adds a tangy creaminess that complements the rich filling. With their comforting taste and hearty texture, Pierogi Ruskie are a beloved dish enjoyed as a main course or side dish, perfect for gatherings and family meals. Whether you savor them at a Polish restaurant or make them from scratch at home, Pierogi Ruskie are a delightful culinary experience that celebrates the timeless tradition of Eastern European cuisine.
What You Need
For the dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 large egg
For the filling:
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and boiled until tender
- 1 cup farmer’s cheese or ricotta cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped and sautéed
- Salt and pepper to taste
For serving:
- Sour cream
- Sautéed onions (optional)
What To Do
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the warm water and egg. Mix until the dough starts to come together.
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Shape the dough into a ball, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, mash the boiled potatoes until smooth. Add the farmer’s cheese or ricotta cheese and sautéed onions. Mix well until all the ingredients are combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it is about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles from the dough, approximately 3-4 inches in diameter.
Place a small spoonful of the filling onto the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and pinch the edges firmly to seal.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pierogi, a few at a time, and cook until they float to the surface, which should take about 5 minutes. Remove them with a slotted spoon and transfer to a serving dish.
Serve the pierogi Ruskie hot, accompanied by sour cream for dipping. Optionally, you can sauté some onions in butter until golden and serve them as a topping.
Enjoy the delightful flavors of these traditional Polish dumplings, with their creamy potato and cheese filling. Pierogi Ruskie are perfect as a main course or as a side dish, and they are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Smacznego! (Enjoy your meal!)