Pierogi ruskie are among the most popular types of Polish dumplings. Ruskie Pierogi (originating in the Kresy region of Poland ) are made with potato and farmer’s cheese. Contrary to what most people believe, that does not translate to “Russian pierogi.” It actually means Ruthenian or Rusyn pierogi.
Ingredients:
350 g all purpose flour
125 ml luke warm water
1 egg
a pinch of salt
600 g peeled baking potatoes
250 g twarog or farmer’s cheese or well drained cottage cheese
1 small white onion
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
salt to taste
Directions:
Boil the cleaned, peeled baking potatoes in lightly salted water. Drain them, let them cool completely, then mash them using a fork. Finely dice the onion and saute it until golden. Crumble the cheese and combine it with the potatoes and onions. Season with salt and pepper. There should be small lumps of cheese and potatoes in the stuffing.
Dump the flour onto a clean surface and make a small indentation in middle. Crack the egg into the indentation. Add the salt and a little bit of the lukewarm water. Knead until smooth, adding water and flour as necessary. This dough should be much like dough for pasta.
Put a large, wide pot of salted water on the stove to boil. Divide the dough into parts. Keep what is not being used covered. Roll out the dough until it is thin. Using a glass or biscuit cutter, cut out circles.
Place about half a tablespoon of filling on one side of each circle. Fold the dough over the filling (you get a half circle) and seal. Make sure none of the filling gets on the edge since that will make the thing come open when it boils.
In tours, throw the pierogi into the boiling salt water, stir, and cover.
When they float to the top, uncover the pot, lower the flame, and let them boil another two to three minutes. Remove them with a slotted spoon, and coat with a little clarified butter to keep them from sticking together.
Sprinkle the pierogi with the onion and drizzle with melted butter. You can also top with bacon. Serve hot with the sour cream on the side.
Smacznego! Enjoy your meal!
