How to Make Perfect Pierogi: Poland's Famous Dumplings

By Ivan PetrenkoMay 19, 2024 08:30 AMNews
Share:
A plate of pierogi
A plate of pierogi. Source: unsplash

Pierogi, the beloved Polish dumplings, are a versatile and delicious dish that can be filled with a variety of ingredients such as cheese, wild mushrooms, or fruit. Here's a step-by-step guide to making perfect pierogi at home.

1. Dough

The traditional pierogi dough is made with simple ingredients: flour, rapeseed oil, a pinch of salt, and warm water. While many Polish households have their own preferred recipes, some add eggs for extra richness, a culinary influence thought to have come from Italy.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon of rapeseed oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 3/4 cup of warm water
  • (Optional) 1 egg

Instructions:

  1. Mix the flour and salt in a large bowl.
  2. Create a well in the center and add the oil and warm water (and the egg if using).
  3. Stir until the dough starts to come together.

2. Kneading

Once the ingredients are mixed, knead the dough for about 7-8 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a cloth and let it rest for 20-30 minutes. Resting the dough makes it more pliable and easier to roll out thinly, resulting in delicate pierogi.

3. Filling

Pierogi fillings can vary widely. The most popular filling is a mixture of white twaróg cheese, caramelized onions, and potatoes. During the summer, sweet fruit-filled pierogi are a favorite, while the Christmas classic is wild mushroom and sauerkraut. Almost any finely chopped leftovers can also be used as filling.

Cheese and Potato Filling:

  • 1 cup of mashed potatoes
  • 1/2 cup of twaróg or farmer's cheese
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped and caramelized
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Combine the mashed potatoes, cheese, and caramelized onions.
  2. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Cutting and Pinching

Roll out the rested dough on a floured surface until it is about 1/8 inch thick. Use the rim of a glass to cut out circles from the dough. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle, fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, and seal the edges by pressing with your thumb and index finger. You can also use a fork to crimp the edges or try a decorative pinching technique.

5. Cooking and Serving

Boil the pierogi in salted water until they float to the surface, which typically takes about 3-4 minutes. You can then fry them in oil or butter until crispy, if desired. Add a topping, known as 'okrasa', such as crispy fried onions or bacon bits. Serve with a dollop of sour cream.

Instructions:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add the pierogi in batches and cook until they float.
  3. Optionally, fry the boiled pierogi in oil or butter until golden and crispy.
  4. Top with your choice of crispy fried onions or bacon bits and serve with sour cream.

Enjoy your homemade pierogi, whether sweet or savory, and savor a taste of Polish tradition in every bite.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Malaysia Airlines aircraft being loaded at the airport gate

Malaysia Airlines Reinstates Brisbane Route with Expanded Regional Access

Apr 18, 2025 23:21 PM
Aerial view of a beach on Seychelles, with turquoise waves and granite rock formations

Seychelles Launches Marine Programme for Environmentally Minded Travellers

Apr 18, 2025 21:34 PM

Maintenance Work to Impact Summer Departures at Hannover Airport

Apr 18, 2025 19:48 PM

Severe Rail Disruptions Ahead of Marathon and FA Cup

Apr 18, 2025 17:23 PM
Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 aircraft in mid-flight against a grey sky

Asia Travel Made Easier with New Airline Partnership

Apr 18, 2025 15:35 PM
Crowne Plaza hotel building under clear sky

Business Travel Gets Personal: New Hotel Perk Encourages Guests to Bring a Companion

Apr 17, 2025 23:31 PM
Emirates Airbus A380 taking off from the runway during daytime

Easter Flights Bring Seasonal Comforts for Travelers

Apr 17, 2025 20:25 PM
Two people walking with an umbrella during heavy rain on a flooded street

Weekend Weather Threatens Travel Across South West England

Apr 17, 2025 18:47 PM
Wizz Air aircraft in flight against cloudy sky

Wizz Air Expands Naples Routes with New Travel Destinations

Apr 17, 2025 16:33 PM

Maui faces water shortage amid tourist comfort

Apr 16, 2025 22:39 PM

New Direct Flight Simplifies Travel Between Munich and Dubai

Apr 16, 2025 20:42 PM
Interior view of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 with immigration area and directional signs

Changi Lounges to Expand Space and Comfort Over Two Years

Apr 16, 2025 18:24 PM
Rail workers operating heavy machinery to replace tracks during infrastructure upgrade

Train Delays Expected on Pisa to Rome Line This Summer

Apr 16, 2025 16:37 PM
Traveler with suitcase watching airplane take off at airport terminal

Antalya Airport Upgrade Enhances Travel Experience

Apr 15, 2025 16:46 PM
Dynjandi waterfall cascading down a rocky mountain in Westfjords, Iceland

Iceland’s Expanding Appeal for Nature-Loving Travellers

Apr 15, 2025 14:53 PM

Flexible Antalya Trips Now Easier from Graz

Apr 15, 2025 12:37 PM

UK Rain Warning Triggers Travel Caution for Midweek Journeys

Apr 15, 2025 10:44 AM
Ryanair plane landing at airport

Hidden Fees and Access Problems Reported on eDreams

Apr 15, 2025 08:21 AM
Passengers seated inside a city bus

Electric Buses Make Exploring Exeter Smoother for Visitors

Apr 15, 2025 06:39 AM
Munich Airport's central plaza with glass roof and modern architecture

New Munich Route Eases Access to Canadian Rockies

Apr 14, 2025 23:56 PM
Rail workers conducting track maintenance during daytime engineering works

Easter Rail Closures to Impact UK Holiday Travel

Apr 14, 2025 21:42 PM
Ryanair airplane in mid-flight against a blue sky

Expedia Adds Direct Ryanair Bookings Amid Shift in Airline Strategy

Apr 14, 2025 19:38 PM

Traveler Left Without Wheelchair After Hawaii Flight

Apr 13, 2025 21:41 PM

Winter Closure of Burgas Airport Will Impact Air Travel

Apr 13, 2025 19:34 PM
View of an empty airplane aisle from a low angle, showing rows of seats and overhead bins

Avelo Faces Backlash Over Deportation Flight Deal

Apr 12, 2025 22:49 PM
Airplane at airport gate during sunrise with ground crew preparing for departure

Quick Getaways Changing the Way Europe Travels

Apr 12, 2025 19:51 PM