Pierogi

Pierogi are a typical dish of Polish cuisine, a kind of dumplings filled and cooked in boiling water. The recipe can vary, and the filling can be either sweet or savory. Here is how to prepare them in the classic version with a potato and cheese filling.

Ingredients

• 300g of flour
• 1 egg
• About 150ml of warm water
• 1 pinch of salt
• 400g of potatoes
• 200g of fresh cheese (such as ricotta or typical Polish white cheese)
• 1 medium onion
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Butter for dressing

Preparation

1. For the dough, sift the flour into a large bowl, make a well in the center and add the egg, the pinch of salt, and gradually the warm water. Work the dough until you get a smooth and elastic ball. Cover with a cloth and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
2. For the filling, boil the potatoes until soft, then mash them into a puree. In a pan, sauté the chopped onion until golden brown.
3. Combine the mashed potatoes, cheese, fried onions, salt, and pepper to taste to create the filling.
4. Divide the dough into smaller portions and roll each out into a thin sheet. Using a glass, cut out disks.
5. Place a teaspoon of filling in the center of each disk, then fold in half and seal the edges to form your pierogi.
6. Cook the pierogi in plenty of boiling salted water. When they float to the surface, let them cook for about 1-2 more minutes.
7. Remove them with a slotted spoon and serve hot, dressed with melted butter and fried onions.

Some enrich this recipe by finishing the pierogi in a pan with some butter and onion to give them a slight external crispiness.

In some cases, they are also served with a sprinkling of chives or alongside sour cream to add a touch of freshness and acidity. Enjoy your meal!