Piroshki are delicious Russian pastries filled with a variety of savory or sweet fillings.A step-by-step guide on how to make savory meat-filled piroshki:
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water (about 110°F or 45°C)
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 45°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and grated
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Cooking oil for sautéing
Instructions:
Prepare the Dough:
1. Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the active dry yeast and warm water. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Mix the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, granulated sugar, and eggs.
- Add the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
3. Add Flour and Salt:
- Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Let the Dough Rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling:
6. Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a large skillet, heat some cooking oil over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until they become translucent.
7. Add Meat and Vegetables:
- Add the ground meat to the skillet and cook until it's browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
- Stir in the diced potato and grated carrot. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and let the filling cool.
Assemble the Piroshki:
8. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
9. Divide the Dough:
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into golf ball-sized portions.
10. Roll Out the Dough:
- Roll each portion of dough into a small circle (about 4-5 inches in diameter).
11. Add Filling:
- Place a spoonful of the meat and vegetable filling in the center of each dough circle.
12. Seal and Shape:
- Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
- Pinch the edges together to seal the piroshki.
13. Bake:
- Place the shaped piroshki on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
14. Serve:
- Serve the freshly baked piroshki warm as an appetizer or snack.
Enjoy your homemade savory meat-filled piroshki! You can also get creative with sweet fillings like fruit preserves or sweet cheese if you prefer a dessert version.