Vareniki, also known as Russian pierogi, are delightful dumplings that offer a delectable combination of flavors and textures. Originating from the vast culinary traditions of Eastern Europe, these delectable pockets of dough are typically filled with a variety of savory or sweet ingredients, making them a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. In this article, we present a comprehensive guide to crafting the perfect vareniki, focusing specifically on the beloved combination of potatoes and mushrooms. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, follow along as we delve into the secrets of crafting this comforting and utterly delicious dish.
Let's cook with our recipes!
VARENIKI (RUSSIAN PIEROGI) WITH POTATOES AND MUSHROOMS
This is one of the most favorite dishes of our family: vareniki (Russian pierogi or dumplings) filled with potatoes and fried mushrooms. Serve with sour cream mixed with fresh herbs.
Provided by nt_bella
Categories Main Dish Recipes Dumpling Recipes
Time 1h15m
Yield 45
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Place potatoes into a large pot and cover with salted water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until tender, about 25 minutes. Drain potatoes and mash; season with salt and pepper.
- Combine flour and 1 teaspoon salt in a large bowl while potatoes are cooking. Stir sour cream and baking soda together in a second bowl. Add water to flour mixture and blend in, followed by sour cream mixture. Knead into a smooth dough, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and cook onions until browned, 5 to 10 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Add to mashed potatoes.
- Divide dough into 4 portions and roll each portion into a 1 1/2-inch thick rope. Cut ropes into small 1/2-inch pieces. Press each dough piece into a small flat circle and place 1 teaspoon of potato filling in the center. Fold dough over into a half-moon shape and seal edges.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Add the vareniki in batches and cook until they float to the surface, about 3 minutes. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes more. Remove with a slotted spoon and place in a colander to drain.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 56.1 calories, Carbohydrate 9.5 g, Cholesterol 3.3 mg, Fat 1.4 g, Fiber 0.7 g, Protein 1.4 g, SaturatedFat 0.8 g, Sodium 78.6 mg, Sugar 0.6 g
VARENIKI- UKRANIAN PIEROGIES
Provided by Food Network
Time 1h25m
Yield 50 to 55 vareniki -- enough fo
Number Of Ingredients 26
Steps:
- In a food processor, blend the flour and the salt. With the motor running, add the egg and the oil, and then pour the water in a slow, steady stream until the dough forms a ball around the blade. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 2 minutes, until smooth. Cover with a kitchen towel and let stand for 30 minutes. Divide the dough into 2 balls. On a floured surface, with a floured rolling pin, roll out one of the balls very thinly, to about 1/16th of an inch, making sure that it doesn't tear. With a cookie cutter, or a cup, cut out circles about 3 inches in diameter. Place a heaping teaspoon of the desired filling in the middle of a circle. Fold the dough over to form a semi-circle. Brush the edges with the egg and press firmly with the tines of the fork to seal. Place the vareniki as they are made on a large, lightly floured, platter, and cover with a damp cloth, while making the next batch. Repeat with the second ball of dough. Bring 6 quarts of salted water to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to moderate and carefully lower half of the vareniki into the water. Boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until they rise to the surface, about 6 to 7 minutes. With a slotted spoon, carefully remove the vareniki into a colander and drain thoroughly. Transfer into a deep serving bowl and toss with half of the butter.
- In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and saute the onion until deeply colored, about 10 minutes. In a mixing bowl, combine the rest of the ingredients. Add the Sauteed onion along with the cooking fat and mix well. Fill the vareniki and cook as directed.
- In a large skillet, saute the bacon over medium heat until it renders its fat. Remove the bacon and drain all but 2 tablespoons of fat. Add the onion and saute over medium heat until nicely browned. Turn the heat up to medium-high, add the sauerkraut and saute, stirring until limp and cooked through, about 10 minutes. Add the sugar and broth. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and cool to room temperature before filling. Use the reserved bacon for topping.;
- Combine all the filling ingredients and mix thoroughly. Fill and cook as directed. This filling can be either sweet or savory, so add salt or sugar, accordingly. Serve with sour cream and confectioners' sugar, if sweet.
VARENIKI (RUSSIAN-STYLE POTATO DUMPLINGS)
Provided by Food Network
Time 1h10m
Yield 2 to 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- For the filling: Saute onions with oil in a pan until softened and brown.
- Grate warm potato into a bowl and add the sauteed onion, salt and pepper. Mix together to evenly distribute ingredients into a mash-like mixture.
- For the dough: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Add flour and salt to the cleaned bowl of a stand mixer and slowly mix. Add water and oil. Mix completely. Remove dough and work into a roll, then a log shape.
- Slice a thin piece of dough and roll into a thin 4-inch round. Place 1 tablespoon potato mixture in the center of the dough circle, then fold circle into a half-moon and seal the edges. Place on the lined baking sheet. Fold over the edge of the dumpling, like a pot sticker. Repeat with remaining dough and filling. Refrigerate for about 10 minutes to hold their shape.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add dumplings; they will rise to the top once they are finished cooking.
- For the garnish: Caramelize onions in some oil in a frying pan until golden brown and crispy, 5 minutes. Plate dumplings and lay caramelized onions on top with salt, pepper and sour cream.
PIEROGI AND VARENIKI DOUGH
Categories Gourmet
Yield Makes enough for about 48 pierogies or 32 varenikis
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Stir together flours in a bowl. Make a well in flour and add eggs, salt, and water, then stir together with a fork without touching flour. Continue stirring, gradually incorporating flour into well until a soft dough forms. Transfer dough to a lightly floured work surface and knead, adding only as much additional flour as needed to keep dough from sticking, until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes. (Dough will be soft.) Cover with plastic wrap and let rest at room temperature at least 30 minutes.
Tips:
- To make the vareniki dough, use a combination of all-purpose flour and semolina flour. Semolina flour will give the dough a slightly chewy texture.
- When kneading the dough, do not overwork it. Overworked dough will be tough.
- Let the dough rest for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out. This will make it easier to work with.
- When rolling out the dough, use a lightly floured surface to prevent it from sticking.
- To make the potato filling, use a combination of mashed potatoes and sautéed mushrooms. This will give the filling a rich and flavorful taste.
- Season the potato filling with salt, pepper, and onion powder to taste.
- To assemble the vareniki, place a small amount of filling in the center of a dough circle. Fold the dough up around the filling, pinching the edges to seal.
- Cook the vareniki in boiling water until they float to the top. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
- Serve the vareniki with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, butter, or fried onions.
Conclusion:
Vareniki are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They are also a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes and mushrooms. With a little practice, you can easily make vareniki at home. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting dish to try, give vareniki a try.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love