Are you craving a hearty, delicious meal that’s both satisfying and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this classic combination of homemade pierogies and savory kielbasa! This recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, offering a taste of tradition with a modern twist. Forget takeout – let's dive into the world of homemade comfort food and create a truly memorable meal. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and will quickly become a favorite in your quick dinner ideas repertoire.
Ingredients:
For the Pierogies:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium potato, peeled and boiled
- 1/2 cup farmer's cheese (or ricotta)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Kielbasa:
- 1 pound kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
Instructions:
Making the Pierogie Dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Gradually add the warm water, egg, and oil, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
Preparing the Pierogie Filling:
- While the dough rests, mash the boiled potato until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, combine the mashed potato, farmer's cheese (or ricotta), chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Assembling and Cooking the Pierogies:
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness.
- Use a 3-inch cookie cutter or a knife to cut out circles.
- Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle.
- Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Gently drop the pierogies into the boiling water.
- Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the pierogies float to the surface and are cooked through.
- Remove the pierogies with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Cooking the Kielbasa:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter or olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the sliced kielbasa and cook until browned and heated through, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serving:
Serve the delicious homemade pierogies immediately with the savory kielbasa and onions. You can add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for extra flavor. Enjoy this comforting and delicious meal!
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer filling, add a tablespoon of melted butter to the potato mixture.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese in the filling, such as cheddar or Gruyere.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the kielbasa for extra vegetables.
- If you don't have time to make the dough from scratch, you can use store-bought pierogi wrappers.
- Leftover pierogies can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or microwave.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe offers a delicious and fulfilling meal. The exact nutritional information will vary based on specific ingredients used. However, one serving generally contains approximately 400-500 calories, moderate protein, and carbohydrates.
This recipe for pierogies and kielbasa offers a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a comforting, delicious, and relatively healthy meal. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this easy-to-follow recipe will guide you to a satisfying and flavorful culinary experience. Enjoy your homemade delicious dishes!