Pelmeni Traditional Siberian Dumpling Recipes

SIBERIAN PELMENI DUMPLINGS

Steps:

• To make the dough, sift the flour into a bowl. Make a well in the middle and add a pinch of salt, the egg and 100ml water, gradually mixing the flour into it with your hands to form a firm dough. Knead well for 5-7 mins. Cover and chill for 30 mins. In the meantime prepare your fillings.
• Thoroughly mix the meat filling ingredients together in a large bowl with a pinch of salt.
• To make the vegetable filling, heat the oil in a large frying pan and fry the mushrooms, onion, garlic and parsley with the soy sauce for 5 mins. Turn off the heat and stir through the pine nuts and some salt and pepper. Let the mixture cool before handling.
• Roll the dough out on a lightly floured work surface to 1.5mm-thick sheets. For the best results, use a pasta machine.
• Cut out discs of the dough that are about 4-6cm in diameter using a shot glass or pastry cutter. Put a teaspoon of filling in the middle of each disc, then use a wet finger to brush lightly onto the dough around the filling. Fold each in half to make a half-moon shape, pressing down to seal. Fold the dumpling again so that the pointed edges of the moon are stuck together. The dumplings can be cooked immediately or frozen in flat layers in freezer bags to be cooked at a later date, using the same method as below but increasing the cooking time by a couple of minutes.
• To cook, bring about 3 litres of water to the boil in a large saucepan, adding the bay leaves and stock cube. Add the dumplings to the boiling broth in batches of around 10, then cook for 5 mins. They are ready when they float to the surface. The meat ones may take a few minutes more than the veg.
• Ladle the pelmeni into soup bowls with the cooking broth, topping them with the dill, soured cream and black pepper. If you prefer to have them without the broth, use a slotted spoon to move them to a bowl, adding a generous dollop of butter with the dill, soured cream and black pepper.

PELMENI (RUSSIAN-STYLE BEEF DUMPLINGS)

Steps:

• For the filling: Combine the beef, salt, pepper and onion in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and slowly mix together.
• 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. Knead the dough into a ball, then roll into a log shape.
• Slice a thin piece of dough and roll into a thin 4-inch round. Place 1 tablespoon beef mixture in the center of the dough circle. Fold circle into a half-moon and seal the edges. Bend the dumplings while pinching center and bringing the edges together. (Shape will be similar to a tortellini.) Place on the lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough and filling. Refrigerate for about 10 minutes to help them 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.
• Plate and garnish with fresh green onion, dill, salt, pepper and sour cream.

RUSSIAN PELMENI

Steps:

• Combine egg, vegetable oil, and salt in a measuring cup; add enough water to fill to 1 cup. Pour into a bowl, add 3 cups flour, and knead into a smooth, elastic dough. Cover with a kitchen towel and rest for 30 minutes.
• Dust a baking sheet lightly with 1 tablespoon flour.
• Combine ground beef, onion, water, salt, and pepper in a bowl and mix filling thoroughly by hand or using a fork.
• Roll out a portion of the dough very thinly on a lightly floured surface and cut out 2 1/2-inch rounds with a cookie cutter or a wine glass. Keep the rest of the dough covered with a towel to avoid drying out. Place 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of filling on one side of the dough circle. Fold dough over and seal the edges using fingers, forming a crescent. Join the ends and pinch them together. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough and filling. Freeze pelmeni for 30 minutes to prevent them from sticking together.
• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a simmer and drop small batches of frozen pelmeni into simmering water. Cook and stir until the meat is cooked and pelmeni float to the top, about 5 minutes. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes. Transfer to serving plates using a slotted spoon.

PELMENI

Steps:

• For the dough: Place the flour, cold water, oil and salt in a food processor and process until a smooth dough ball forms, about 5 minutes. Cover and set aside.
• For the filling: Combine the beef, pork, onions and garlic in a bowl, then sprinkle with salt and pepper and mix well.
• Bring a small pan of water to a boil. Add a tablespoon of the meat mixture and boil just until cooked through, about 3 minutes. Remove from the water and let cool before tasting. Adjust the seasoning of the meat mixture as needed with salt and pepper. Once adjusted, keep the filling in the refrigerator until ready to assemble.
• Divide the dough into 2 equal portions and roll each portion out to 1/8-inch thick over a lightly floured surface, making sure its size is at least 2 inches bigger than the pelmeni mold. Place a layer of dough over the pelmeni mold and place a spoonful of filling over each hole. Lay another piece of dough on top and seal, pressing tightly.
• Place the finished pelmeni on a floured board and let rest for 1 hour, uncovered.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and gently place the pelmeni in the water. Cook until the pelmeni float, then cook an additional 4 to 5 minutes. Drain and place on a large platter.
• To garnish: Stir the sour cream and vinegar together in a small bowl. Drizzle over the dumplings and garnish with the paprika and some hot sauce.