How to Make Pelmeni: A Step-by-Step Guide to Russian Dumplings

If you're looking for a delicious and satisfying meal, look no further than pelmeni. These Russian dumplings are filled with a savory meat mixture and wrapped in a delicate dough. They can be boiled, fried, or baked, and served with a variety of sauces and toppings. In this guide from Tauhuichiban, we'll show you How to make pelmeni from scratch, so you can enjoy this classic dish in the comfort of your own home.

I. Ingredients for Pelmeni Dough

Creating the perfect batch of pelmeni dough is crucial for achieving scrumptious homemade dumplings. Here's a list of essentials you'll need to craft the ideal foundation for these delectable bites:

Required Ingredients:

• All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups)
• Water (1 cup)
• Egg (1 large)
• Salt (1 teaspoon)

II. Creating the Pelmeni Dough

The dough for pelmeni is a simple combination of flour, water, and salt. The key to a good dough is to get the right consistency. The dough should be firm enough to roll out thinly, but not so dry that it cracks. It should also be moist enough to seal well, but not so wet that it becomes sticky.

To make the dough, combine the flour and salt in a large bowl. Gradually add water, mixing until the dough comes together. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.

Once the dough has rested, divide it into small balls. Roll out each ball into a thin circle, about 1/8-inch thick. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges to seal. Crimp the edges with a fork to make sure they are sealed well.

The pelmeni are now ready to be cooked. They can be boiled, fried, or baked. Boiled pelmeni are the most traditional way to cook them. To boil pelmeni, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pelmeni and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they float to the top. Remove the pelmeni from the pot and drain them on paper towels.

Fried pelmeni are a delicious alternative to boiled pelmeni. To fry pelmeni, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pelmeni and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown. Remove the pelmeni from the skillet and drain them on paper towels.

Baked pelmeni are a great way to cook a large batch of pelmeni at once. To bake pelmeni, preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the pelmeni on the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Remove the pelmeni from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Pelmeni can be served with a variety of sauces, such as sour cream, ketchup, or mustard. They can also be served with a side of vegetables or salad.

Here are some tips for making the best pelmeni:

• Use a good quality flour. A high-protein flour will produce a more elastic dough.
• Do not overwork the dough. Overworking the dough will make it tough.
• Let the dough rest before rolling it out. This will allow the gluten to relax and make the dough easier to work with.
• Roll out the dough thinly. The thinner the dough, the more delicate the pelmeni will be.
• Seal the pelmeni well. If the pelmeni are not sealed well, they will fall apart during cooking.
• Cook the pelmeni until they are cooked through. Undercooked pelmeni will be doughy, while overcooked pelmeni will be tough.

Pelmeni are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are a great way to use up leftover meat and vegetables, and they can be served with a variety of sauces and sides. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, give pelmeni a try!

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III. Making the Pelmeni Filling

The filling for pelmeni is typically made with a mixture of ground meat, onions, and spices. The most common type of meat used is beef, but pork, lamb, or veal can also be used. The onions are finely chopped and sautéed until they are soft and translucent. The spices that are typically used include salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Once the filling is mixed together, it is chilled for at least 30 minutes before being used. This allows the flavors to meld and the filling to firm up, making it easier to work with.

To make the pelmeni filling, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well until all of the ingredients are evenly combined.
• Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.

Once the filling is chilled, it is ready to be used to make pelmeni.

IV. Assembling and Cooking Pelmeni

Once the dough and filling are prepared, it's time to assemble and cook the pelmeni. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Assembling:

• Take a small piece of dough and roll it out into a thin circle, about 3-4 inches in diameter.
• Place a spoonful of filling in the center of the circle.
• Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape.
• Pinch the edges together to seal the pelmeni.
• Repeat steps 1-4 until all the dough and filling have been used up.

Cooking:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the pelmeni to the boiling water and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they float to the top.
• Remove the pelmeni from the water and drain them on paper towels.
• Serve the pelmeni hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips:

• To make the pelmeni even more flavorful, you can add some chopped herbs or spices to the filling.
• If you don't have a pelmeni maker, you can use a fork to seal the edges of the pelmeni.
• Pelmeni can be cooked in advance and frozen for later use. To freeze pelmeni, place them on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer the pelmeni to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions:

• Pelmeni can be served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as sour cream, ketchup, or mustard.
• Pelmeni can also be served with a side of soup or salad.
• Pelmeni can be used as a filling for other dishes, such as dumplings or pot pies.

Pelmeni are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you're serving them as an appetizer, main course, or side dish, pelmeni are sure to please everyone at the table.

V. Conclusion

Congratulations on learning how to make pelmeni from scratch! With a little practice, you'll be able to impress your friends and family with this delicious and authentic Russian dish. Remember to experiment with different fillings and cooking methods to find your favorite variations. Whether you prefer them boiled, fried, or baked, pelmeni are a versatile and satisfying meal that will warm you up on a cold day. So next time you're craving a taste of Russia, don't hesitate to give this recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you!