How to Make Russian Pelmeni: A Family Recipe for Perfect Dumplings

 

Pelmeni (Russian pelmeni)

Pelmeni are traditional Russian dumplings with meat filling, usually served with sour cream or vinegar.

Here's an easy recipe for making dumplings from scratch:

Ingredients:

For the dough:

·         3 cups all-purpose flour

·         1/2 teaspoon salt

·         1 large egg

·         1 cup water (or as needed)

For the filling:

·         1/2 pound (250 gram) ground beef

·         1/2 pound (250 gram) ground pork. (you can also use lamb or chicken for variety)

·         1 small onion, finely chopped or grated

·         2 cloves garlic, minced

·         Salt and pepper to taste

·         1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

·         1/4 cup water or broth (to keep the filling moist)

To serve:

·         Sour cream or melted butter

·         Fresh dill (optional)

Instructions:

Make the dough.

In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.

Crack the egg into the flour and stir.

Gradually add water a little at a time, stirring until a smooth dough forms.

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it is soft and elastic.

If it is too sticky, add more flour; if too dry, add a little water.

Cover the dough with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.

Make the filling.

In a bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, onion, garlic, and nutmeg (if using).

Add salt and pepper to taste.

Add water or broth to the meat mixture, stirring to combine.

This will help keep the filling moist and flavorful.

Mix everything thoroughly until smooth.

Form the dumplings.

Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it is about 1/8 inch thick.

Use a glass or cookie cutter to cut out circles of dough (about 3 inches in diameter).

Put a small spoonful of the meat filling in the centre of each circle.

Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, pinching the edges tightly to seal.

Pinch the two ends of the half-moon together to form a dumpling shape, pinching the ends to seal completely.

Cook the dumplings.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Gently lower the dumplings into the boiling water, a few at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pot.

Once the dumplings float to the surface, let them cook for another 3 to 4 minutes.

Remove the dumplings from the water with a slotted spoon and place them on a serving platter.

Serve.

Serve the dumplings hot with a dollop of sour cream, melted butter, or sprinkled with fresh dill.

Some people like to add a little vinegar or broth to them for extra flavor.

Enjoy your homemade dumplings!