If you’ve ever caught yourself daydreaming about cozy, comforting meals that bring friends and family around the table, you’re going to absolutely adore this Russian Pelmeni with Homemade Dough Recipe. It’s a delightful journey into traditional Russian cuisine featuring perfectly tender dumplings filled with a flavorful blend of ground meats, wrapped in a silky homemade dough. The process might seem a little involved, but trust me, every step is worth it when you taste those juicy, savory morsels dipped in melted butter or sour cream. Getting your hands on this recipe means welcoming an authentic experience into your kitchen that’s both fun to make and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the magic here, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how straightforward and accessible everything is. Each component plays a crucial role in building that iconic pelmeni texture and flavor, from the tender dough to the juicy meat filling.
- Buttermilk (2/3 cups): Adds tang and tenderness to the dough, making it wonderfully soft and pliable.
- Sour cream (1 Tbsp): Enhances richness in the dough and can double as a garnish.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the dough’s ingredients together and give structure.
- Warm water (2 cups): Needed to help bring the dough together without drying it out.
- Salt (1 1/2 tsp for dough): Essential for flavor balance in the dough.
- Unbleached all-purpose flour (7 cups plus 6 Tbsp): The base of your dough, giving pelmeni their tender bite.
- Ground turkey (1 lb): Provides lean, mild flavor to the savory filling.
- Ground pork (1 lb): Adds juiciness and depth to the meat mixture.
- Medium onion, finely diced (1): Offers sweetness and aromatic sharpness that lifts the filling.
- Olive oil (1 Tbsp): Keeps the filling moist and flavorful.
- Garlic cloves, pressed (3): Introduces a warm, zesty punch that’s just perfect in the filling.
- Ground pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds mild heat and complexity to the meat.
- Salt (3/4 tsp for filling): Perfectly seasons the filling for maximum savory goodness.
- Hot sauce (1 tsp, optional): For those who like a little extra kick.
- Melted butter, sour cream, vinegar, ketchup: Traditional condiments that bring pelmeni to life when served.
How to Make Russian Pelmeni with Homemade Dough Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by combining the buttermilk, sour cream, and eggs in a large bowl. Slowly add warm water, then salt, and gradually sift in the flour. Knead the mixture until it forms a soft, elastic dough that springs back when touched. This dough is the foundation of your pelmeni, giving them that perfect tender texture that’s both light and satisfying.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the finely diced onion until translucent and fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in the ground turkey and pork, pressed garlic, salt, pepper, and hot sauce if using. Mix everything thoroughly until the flavor melds into a well-seasoned, juicy filling.
Step 3: Roll and Cut the Dough
Divide the dough into manageable portions. On a floured surface, roll out each portion thinly but resilient enough to hold the filling without tearing. Using a round cutter or glass, cut circles about 3 inches in diameter. These circles are your pelmeni wrappers.
Step 4: Assemble the Pelmeni
Place a small spoonful of the meat filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the wrapper in half over the filling to form a half-moon shape, then pinch the edges firmly to seal. Bring the two corners of the half-moon together and pinch again to create the classic pelmeni shape. Repeat with all the pieces for about 180 pelmeni!
Step 5: Cook the Pelmeni
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then gently drop in the pelmeni. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until they float and then simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes. This brief cooking ensures the filling is fully cooked while the dough remains tender yet firm.
How to Serve Russian Pelmeni with Homemade Dough Recipe
Garnishes
The classic way to enjoy pelmeni is simple and pure: a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of melted butter adds just the right richness. For a tangy twist, a splash of vinegar or a dab of ketchup works beautifully, balancing the savory meat with bright acidity.
Side Dishes
Serve pelmeni alongside a fresh cucumber and tomato salad for a crisp contrast or a bowl of hot borscht if you want to embrace full Russian flair. Pickled vegetables can also provide a vibrant punch, cutting through the richness of the dumplings.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your pelmeni on a platter with fresh herbs like dill or parsley sprinkled over for color and aroma. You can even pan-fry leftover pelmeni for a crispy exterior that transforms them into a whole new golden treat. A little sour cream dip infused with herbs or garlic makes a perfect companion!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extras (and you might!), place cooked pelmeni in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days while maintaining their flavor and texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, flash freeze uncooked pelmeni on a tray until firm. Then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Frozen pelmeni cook just as well without thawing, which makes them a convenient time-saver.
Reheating
To revive leftovers, simply boil the refrigerated or frozen pelmeni briefly or pan-fry them for a crispier option. Avoid microwaving to keep the delicate dough and juicy filling at their best.
FAQs
Can I substitute the meats in the filling?
Absolutely! While the traditional mix is pork and turkey, feel free to experiment with beef, lamb, or even a vegetarian filling using mushrooms and cheese. The key is balancing moisture for juicy, flavorful bites.
Why is homemade dough better than store-bought wrappers?
Homemade dough provides a fresher taste and allows control over texture—soft enough to be tender but strong enough to hold the filling without tearing. Plus, making it yourself is a fun, rewarding part of the cooking process!
How do I know when the pelmeni are cooked?
Pelmeni float to the surface when they’re done cooking; after that, simmer them for about 3-5 minutes to ensure the filling is cooked completely through.
What is the best way to serve pelmeni traditionally?
Traditionally, pelmeni are served hot with a dollop of sour cream or melted butter, sometimes accompanied by vinegar or mustard for an extra zing. Simple, comforting, and utterly delicious.
Can I prepare pelmeni dough without buttermilk?
Yes, if you don’t have buttermilk, mixing milk with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar can substitute by adding acidity, which helps tenderize the dough similarly.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a recipe that brings hearty, authentic Russian comfort food to your table, the Russian Pelmeni with Homemade Dough Recipe is your golden ticket. It’s such a joyous process to make these dumplings from scratch, and the flavors will have everyone asking for seconds. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and dive into this timeless culinary tradition—you won’t regret it!
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Russian Pelmeni with Homemade Dough Recipe
- Prep Time: 120 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 130 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 180 pelmeni
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Russian
Description
This classic Russian Pelmeni recipe features tender dough filled with a flavorful blend of ground turkey and pork, accented by onion, garlic, and spices. The dough is made with buttermilk and sour cream for added richness and pliability. Pelmeni are traditionally boiled and served with melted butter, sour cream, vinegar, or ketchup, making them a beloved comfort food perfect for large gatherings.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2/3 cup buttermilk
- 1 Tbsp sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups warm water
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 7 cups plus 6 Tbsp unbleached all-purpose flour
Filling Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, pressed
- 1/2 tsp ground pepper
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
To Serve
- Melted butter
- Sour cream
- Vinegar
- Ketchup
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine buttermilk, sour cream, eggs, warm water, and 1 1/2 tsp salt. Gradually add the flour, stirring continuously, until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 10-15 minutes. Cover and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
- Make the Filling: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add finely diced onion and sauté until translucent. Let cool slightly. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, ground pork, sautéed onion, pressed garlic, 1/2 tsp ground pepper, 3/4 tsp salt, and optional hot sauce. Mix thoroughly to combine.
- Assemble Pelmeni: Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a thin sheet, about 1/8 inch thick. Using a round cutter (approximately 2-3 inches in diameter), cut out circles. Place a small spoonful of filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and pinch the edges tightly to seal, ensuring no air pockets remain.
- Cook the Pelmeni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop the pelmeni in batches into the boiling water. Stir gently to prevent sticking. Cook until pelmeni float to the surface and then continue boiling for an additional 3-4 minutes to ensure the filling is cooked through, about 8-10 minutes total.
- Serve: Remove pelmeni with a slotted spoon and place on plates. Drizzle melted butter over the top and serve with sour cream, vinegar, and/or ketchup according to preference.
Notes
- The dough resting time is essential for elasticity and easier rolling.
- You can substitute ground beef for the pork or turkey if desired.
- Pelmeni can be frozen after assembly on a baking sheet before cooking, perfect for make-ahead meals.
- For a spicier filling, increase the amount of hot sauce or add chili flakes.
- Serve immediately after cooking for the best texture and flavor.
