Pierogi are delightful Polish dumplings traditionally filled with ingredients like mashed potatoes, cheese, meat, mushrooms, or fruit. A step-by-step guide to making classic potato and cheese pierogi:
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup water (adjust as needed)
For the Potato and Cheese Filling:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (prepared in advance)
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese (or farmer's cheese)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped and sautéed (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
1.1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
1.2. In another bowl, whisk the egg and sour cream together until smooth.
1.3. Add the egg and sour cream mixture to the flour and mix.
1.4. Gradually add water while kneading until the dough comes together. It should be smooth and not too sticky. You may need a little more or less water.
1.5. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and let it rest for about 30 minutes at room temperature.
2. Prepare the Potato and Cheese Filling:
2.1. If you haven't already, prepare mashed potatoes. You can add the sautéed chopped onion, grated cheese, salt, and pepper to the mashed potatoes. Mix well to create the filling.
3. Roll Out the Dough:
3.1. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
3.2. Use a round cookie cutter (approximately 3 inches in diameter) to cut out circles from the dough.
4. Fill and Fold the Pierogi:
4.1. Place a small spoonful of the potato and cheese filling in the center of each dough circle.
4.2. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
4.3. Press the edges together to seal the pierogi, ensuring there are no openings.
5. Boil the Pierogi:
5.1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
5.2. Carefully drop the pierogi into the boiling water, a few at a time, to avoid overcrowding. Stir gently to prevent sticking.
5.3. Boil the pierogi for about 3-5 minutes or until they float to the surface. This indicates they are cooked.
5.4. Remove the cooked pierogi with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate.
6. Sauté ( Optional ):
6.1. If desired, you can sauté the cooked pierogi in butter until they become slightly crispy and golden on the outside.
7. Serve:
7.1. Serve the pierogi hot with sour cream and sautéed onions if you like.
Enjoy your homemade potato and cheese pierogi, a comforting and delicious Polish dish that's perfect for sharing with family and friends! You can also experiment with different fillings to create a variety of flavors.