Pelmeni: The Heart of Russian Comfort Food
Pelmeni, known as the “heart of Russian comfort food,” has warmed Russian households for centuries. These small, savory dumplings are a staple of Russian cuisine. They deliver simplicity, delicious flavor, and comfort in every bite.
Pelmeni features a thin, unleavened dough filled with a savory mixture of ground meat—typically beef, pork, or a combination of both. Some variations use chicken, lamb, or even fish. Cooks roll out the dough, cut it into small circles, and fill each with a spoonful of the meat mixture. They then fold and pinch the dumplings into a distinctive crescent shape. Finally, they boil the dumplings in water or broth until they float to the surface, signaling they are ready.
Rooted in Tradition
Siberia’s indigenous peoples brought pelmeni to Russia, where it spread across the country, becoming beloved in every region. People traditionally prepared pelmeni in large quantities during winter, storing them frozen outdoors for easy access during the cold months.
A Family Tradition
Families often come together to make pelmeni, gathering around the kitchen table. The process of rolling out the dough, filling, and shaping the dumplings involves the entire family and passes down through generations. In many Russian households, making these dumplings is a cherished tradition, especially during holidays or special gatherings. This shared activity strengthens family bonds and preserves cultural heritage.
Global Appeal
Pelmeni is a quintessentially Russian dish with appeal far beyond Russia’s borders. Similar to other dumplings like Italian ravioli or Chinese jiaozi, pelmeni has earned a place in the global culinary scene. Its simplicity, versatility, and comforting flavors make it a favorite worldwide.
Cultural Significance
In Russia, pelmeni symbolizes warmth, family, and life’s simple pleasures. Enjoying a bowl of pelmeni on a cold winter day or sharing it with loved ones offers a taste of tradition and comfort that transcends time and borders.
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Russian Pelmeni
Ingredients
Dough
Stuffing
Serving
Instructions
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Prepare all ingredients. Using a food processor, mix the egg, water, oil, salt and half of the flour.
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Add the remaining flour and mix until it becomes a smooth dough.
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Place the dough on a lightly floured counter and knead until its stickiness disappears completely (about 5 minutes).
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Wrap the dough in a stretch film or bag and let it rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
İç harcının yapılışı
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Add onion, minced meat, salt and pepper into a mixing bowl and mix until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
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Cover it and put it in the refrigerator.
Making pelmeni
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Divide the dough into pieces of approximately 90 grams.
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Take a piece and roll it as shown in the photo to be finger-width wide. Meanwhile, don't forget to keep the other dough covered.
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Cut the dough into 10 equal pieces.
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Roll out the pieces into small circles using a rolling pin.
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Spread about 1 teaspoon of the filling on the dough, close to the edge of the circle.
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Take the circle and fold it to form a half moon.
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Join the edges at the ends. Make sure there is no air left in the dough to prevent it from exploding while cooking.
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Place the shaped pelmeni on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Repeat the same process for the remaining dough chard.
Pişirme
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Boil plenty of water in a large pot and add salt. Throw 10 pelmeni into boiling water to which you add salt.
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After the pelmenis float to the surface of the water, wait another 1-2 minutes.
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Remove the pelmeni from the water with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a covered container to keep warm. Repeat the same process for the remaining pelmeni.
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You can serve boiled pelmeni with melted butter, black pepper, sour cream and red wine vinegar if preferred. Enjoy your meal.
