Ingredients
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The Dough:
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2 large eggs
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2/3 cup Water
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1 tbsp Vegetable Oil
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1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
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3 1/4 cups all purpose flour
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The Filling:
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1 large onion
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8 ounces lean ground pork
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8 ounces ground beef
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1 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
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1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
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For Serving:
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Butter
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red wine vinegar
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sour cream
Directions
Pelmeni are similar to the Italian tortelinis or the Polish pieorgi, but is the Russian version. They are smaller than traditonal pierogi, with a thin dough and raw filling, which are then boiled for about 5 minutes or “until they float.” The history of this dish is said to have begun in the Urals, where the indigenous peoples ate pelmeni during long winter hunts. They are now a staple of Russian cuisine and are often topped with sour cream, or children enjoy a fried version with ketchup, or mayonnaise.
Preparation:
- In a food processor, pulse to combine the eggs, water, oil, salt, and half of the flour.
- Add the remaining flour and process until a smooth dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes or until it is no longer sticky.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and let rest for 30 minutes. The dough can be refrigerated at this point until ready to roll.
- For the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the onion, ground pork, ground beef, salt, and pepper and stir until thoroughly mixed. Refrigerate, covered, until ready to use.
- Cut the dough into 8 equal pieces. Keep the rest covered while you roll one piece of dough into a finger-width cylinder.
- Cut the dough into 10 pieces. Roll each of the 10 pieces into a 2-inch circle.
- Spread 1 tsp of filling on the circle, almost to the edges. Pick up the circle and fold to create a half-moon. Pinch the edges together, making sure there is no trapped air that could cause them to explode when cooking.
- Place the pelmeni on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
- Bring a large saucepan of salted water to the boil. Drop 10 pelmeni into the boiling water. When the pelmeni rise to the surface, boil an additional 1 to 2 minutes, then remove the dumplings with a slotted spoon and transfer to a covered dish to keep warm.
- Serve the boiled dumplings with melted butter, red wine vinegar, black pepper, and sour cream, if desired.
