Are you craving a comforting, delicious meal that’s both satisfying and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This traditional cheese pierogi recipe will transport you to the heart of Eastern European cuisine with its simple yet incredibly flavorful homemade goodness. Forget takeout – tonight, we're making authentic cheese pierogi from scratch, and it's easier than you think! This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in, a family gathering, or impressing your friends with a truly delicious homemade dish. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this quick dinner idea that's sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the Filling:
- 16 ounces farmer's cheese (or dry curd cottage cheese, drained well)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Serving:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Sour cream (optional)
- Fried onions (optional)
Instructions:
Making the Dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Make a well in the center and add the warm water, egg, and oil.
- Gradually incorporate the flour into the wet ingredients, mixing with a fork until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky.
- Form the dough into a ball, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a more tender dough.
Preparing the Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine the drained farmer's cheese, egg, sour cream, onion, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined and the filling is smooth.
Assembling and Cooking the Pierogi:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness.
- Use a 3-4 inch cookie cutter or a knife to cut out circles.
- Place a spoonful of the cheese filling in the center of each circle.
- Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, pressing the edges firmly to seal. You can crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Gently drop the pierogi into the boiling water. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the pierogi float to the surface and are cooked through.
- Remove the pierogi with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
Serving Your Delicious Creation:
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the cooked pierogi to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned and crispy.
- Serve immediately with a dollop of sour cream and fried onions, if desired. Enjoy your homemade cheese pierogi!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Pierogi:
- Don't overfill the pierogi; otherwise, they might burst during cooking.
- If your dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
- For extra flavor, you can add herbs like chives or dill to the filling.
Variations:
- Potato and Cheese Pierogi: Add cooked and mashed potatoes to the cheese filling for a heartier dish.
- Sweet Pierogi: Use a sweet cheese filling with sugar, vanilla extract, and raisins.
Nutritional Information (per pierogi, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 8-10g
- Protein: 7-9g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This traditional cheese pierogi recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a truly satisfying and memorable meal. The best recipes are often the simplest, and this one is a testament to that. Enjoy the process of making these delicious healthy meals, and savor every bite!