Traditional Pierogi Recipe – A Comfort Food with Potato and Cheese Filling
Growing up in a Ukrainian household, pierogi were a regular dish, especially during special family gatherings. My mother and grandmother would make them from scratch, and I’ve continued the tradition. Though they take effort, the process is fun, especially when made with helpers for a big family dinner. Pierogi are a comforting and versatile food that can be enjoyed by most people, filled with anything from savory potatoes to sweet fruits. One of my favorite things about pierogi is that after they are cooked, they can be reheated by pan-frying them to a golden brown. This adds a delightful crispiness to the already soft and flavorful dumplings, making them even more irresistible for leftovers!
Did You Know?
Pierogi, a staple in Eastern European cuisine, were originally made as a method to preserve food. Over time, they’ve evolved into a comfort food enjoyed worldwide with various fillings like potatoes, cheese, mushrooms, and even sweet fruits. These dumplings are often served with toppings like sour cream, sautéed onions, and butter, offering a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Yield:
24 pierogi
Ingredients:
Dough:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Filling:
4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 cup cottage cheese
1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons butter
Salt and pepper to taste
To Serve:
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 small onion, thinly sliced
Sour cream
Instructions:
Prepare the Dough:
Mix flour, salt, egg, sour cream, and butter until a dough forms. Knead until smooth, then let rest for 30 minutes.
Personal Tip: Make sure the dough isn’t over-kneaded; this keeps the texture soft and easy to roll.
Prepare the Filling:
Boil potatoes, mash with sautéed onions, and add cheeses, salt, and pepper.
Personal Tip: You can add a pinch of garlic powder or herbs like thyme to the filling for extra flavor.
Assemble the Pierogi:
Roll out dough, cut circles, fill with potato mixture, fold and seal.
Personal Tip: Dipping your fingers in water can help seal the edges of the pierogi more securely.
Cook the Pierogi:
Boil until they float, then sauté in butter with onions.
Personal Tip: Sautéing the pierogi adds a delightful crisp texture to the soft dumplings.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 150, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Carbohydrates: 20g, Fiber: 1g, Sugars: 2g, Protein: 4g
Kitchen Tips, Great Ideas, How to Save Money
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Make in Bulk: Doubling the recipe and freezing extra pierogi saves time for future meals. Freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to bags. This way, they won’t stick together, and you can enjoy homemade pierogi anytime without extra effort.
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Basic Ingredients: Pierogi are made from affordable staples like flour, potatoes, and onions. Stick to these basic ingredients and buy them in bulk when on sale to maximize your savings.
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DIY Sour Cream: Make your own sour cream by combining heavy cream with a splash of lemon juice or buttermilk. Let it sit at room temperature until thickened. This homemade version is often cheaper and tastier than store-bought sour cream.
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Explore Seasonal Variations: Get creative with fillings based on what’s in season. Mushrooms, spinach, or even berries can be delicious alternatives to traditional potato fillings. Seasonal produce is often cheaper and adds variety to your pierogi.
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Repurpose Leftovers: If you have leftover mashed potatoes or cheese, these make perfect pierogi fillings. Repurposing these ingredients not only saves money but also helps reduce food waste.
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Invest in Quality Tools: A good rolling pin and dough cutter can streamline the pierogi-making process, ensuring consistency in the dough and helping you work faster.
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Plan Ahead: Pierogi-making is more fun when shared! Invite family or friends to join you in the kitchen for a pierogi-making session. This way, you can prepare large batches together and share the results.
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Herb Garden: Growing your own fresh herbs like parsley or dill adds freshness to your pierogi toppings. It’s a budget-friendly way to add flavor without constantly buying herbs from the store.
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Reuse Cooking Water: Save the water used to boil pierogi for soups or broths. It’s already infused with flavor and can be used as a base for other dishes, reducing waste.
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Creative Presentations: Serve your pierogi with a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs for an extra touch of elegance. It’s an easy and affordable way to make your dish look special and restaurant-worthy.
Let’s Learn More About Pierogi
Pierogi come with countless filling options, from savory potato and cheese to sweet fruits like cherries and blueberries. Many families also add mushrooms, meats, or cabbage for variety. If you’re pressed for time, don’t hesitate to buy premade frozen pierogi. There are many high-quality brands that offer options free from preservatives or additives. Look for simple ingredient lists, and remember that you can still sauté them in butter and onions at home for that homemade taste and texture!