Pierogi (Polish Stuffed Dumpling)

There is nothing as good as homemade pierogies. Where I grew up, the local Ukrainian church women would sell freshly handmade pierogies regularly as a fundraiser. One of my good friends was the granddaughter of one of these women who did not even need a recipe to make wonderful pierogies. We felt like we were in heaven eating these. The ones I typically enjoy are filled with mashed potato and cheese. However, you might try making them with both potato and sauerkraut. I love these fried with some sautéed onions and butter and some keilbasa. They can easily be frozen and later boiled in some water for a few minutes to thaw, and then baked or fried with butter, onions and keilbasa.

Ingredients:

3 -3 1/2 cups sauerkraut
4 Tbsp butter or oil
1 medium or large onion, chopped
1/2 tsp salt
dash pepper

Basic Dough:

4 cups flour, white or combination white/white whole wheat
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg
1 cup lukewarm water

Cook the sauerkraut 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. (If you desire sauerkraut not as sour, rinse it before cooking.) Push to sides of the pan; melt butter and sauté onion. Mix together; sauté 1/2 hour, stirring occasionally. Season to taste.

While filling is cooking, prepare dough. Mix ingredients together, adding water a little at a time. Dough should not be sticky. Roll out 1/8 inch thick on a lightly floured surface. Cut into circles approximately 4-6 inches in diameter. Fill each circle with a spoonful of kraut mixture. Fold in half; wet half the rim with water. Crimp with a fork. Drop into a large kettle of gently boiling water. Boil until they float to the top, stirring at times to keep them from sticking to the bottom. Remove with a slotted spoon. Let cool and dry on wire racks. Makes 25 pierogies.

When ready to serve, fry in butter or oil until golden brown on each side. Or for larger servings, dip in melted butter; bake at 350 degrees in a 9x13 inch pan until golden.

Try other fillings such as cottage cheese, mashed potato and cheese.

Recipe by Kathleen White in Whole Foods For The Whole Family La Leche League International Cookbook, 1981.

Meat Tarts (Piroshki)

This eastern European food probably has some different variations. I was served a variation of these years ago by a good Russian friend who introduced me to their foods.

Ingredients:

yeast dough for 1-2 loaves
3-4 cups shredded cabbage or 2 cups sauerkraut
2 medium onion, chopped
1 pound ground beef
1/4 tsp salt
dash pepper
1 tsp prepared mustard (optional)

Let dough rise once. Steam cabbage for 10 minutes. Saute onion with the meat until browned; drain off the fat. Add cabbage or sauerkraut and seasonings. Cool. Meanwhile, roll out dough to 1/8 inch thick. Cut out circles or squares about 6 inches across. Put meat and cabbage mixture in center of each circle or square. Bring up the sides and seal shut. Place on lightly greased cookie sheet, pinched side down, and let rise until almost doubled, about 45 minutes. Bake at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

They freeze well. Serve hot or cold. Is good with potato salad, vegetable sticks, baked beans and fruit compote. You may also try other meats, fish, deviled eggs, cottage cheese, potatoes or whatever is handy for a filling. Fruits, jams and jellies work well for a sweet filling.