Siberian Dumplings: The Heartwarming Tale of Pelmeni
Pelmeni are traditional dumplings that originated in Siberia, the easternmost region of Russia. These little pockets of joy are made from a simple dough of flour, water, eggs, and salt, which is then stuffed with a flavorful filling. Here’s what you need to know:
- Ingredients:
- Dough: A basic mixture of flour, water, eggs, and salt.
- Filling: Ground meat (usually pork, chicken, turkey, or beef) seasoned with onions, salt, and pepper.
- Preparation:
- By Hand: Roll out the dough into flat circles, place a spoonful of the meat mixture on each circle, fold it over, and pinch the edges to create a half-moon shape.
- Using a Mold: Roll out the dough, place it on a pelmeni mold, fill each hole with the meat mixture, add another layer of dough, and roll over it to separate the dumplings.
- Texture and Flavor:
- The soft boiled dough contrasts beautifully with the rich, savory filling, resulting in an explosion of textures in your mouth.
- Pelmeni can be mild or spicy, depending on the seasonings used.
- Serving:
- Enjoy pelmeni as a meal on their own or as an appetizer before a traditional Russian feast.
- Serve them with sour cream or melted butter for extra indulgence.
- Fun Fact:
- Pelmeni are often considered the national dish of Russia and are found in homes, cafes, and fancy restaurants across the country.
