How to Make Pirozhki?

 

Pirozhki are traditional Russian stuffed buns that are either baked or fried. They can be filled with a variety of fillings, such as meat, vegetables, or fruit. Here's a basic recipe for making Pirozhki:

Ingredients:

·       Dough:

    • 500g all-purpose flour
    • 200ml warm milk
    • 2 tbsp sugar
    • 1 tsp salt
    • 1 packet dry yeast
    • 50g melted butter
    • 1 egg

·       Meat Filling:

    • 300g minced beef or pork
    • 1 onion, finely chopped
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • Optional: herbs, garlic, and other seasonings

·       Vegetable Filling (alternative):

    • 2 potatoes, boiled and mashed
    • 1 onion, finely chopped
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • Optional: cheese, herbs, sautéed cabbage

Steps:

1.     Prepare the Dough:

    • Combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for 10 minutes until frothy.
    • In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and beaten egg.
    • Knead the dough until it's smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

2.     Prepare the Filling:

    • For a meat filling, cook the minced meat and onions in a pan until the meat is browned. Season with salt, pepper, and other desired seasonings.
    • For a vegetable filling, mix the mashed potatoes with sautéed onion, and add salt, pepper, and any additional ingredients.

3.     Assemble the Pirozhki:

    • Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into small portions.
    • Roll each portion into a circle, place a spoonful of filling in the center, and then seal the edges to form a bun.
    • Place the buns seam side down on a baking sheet. Let them rise for an additional 15 minutes.

4.     Cook the Pirozhki:

    • For baking: Brush the buns with an egg wash and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
    • For frying: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 175°C (350°F) and fry the pirozhki until golden brown on all sides.

5.     Serve and Enjoy:

    • Serve the pirozhki warm. They can be enjoyed on their own or with sour cream.

Note:

You can customize pirozhki with various fillings according to your preference, including sweet fillings like jam or fruit.