Perfecting Polish mushroom pierogi recipe
Pierogi are a cornerstone of Polish cuisine, celebrated for their versatile and delicious fillings. This vegetarian, eggless version features a rich mushroom filling. Originating from Eastern Europe, pierogi have served as comfort food for centuries, embraced in various styles by different cultures. Now, we're set to master the craft of making these delightful dumplings from the ground up. Ready to cook? Let's start.
Gather the following ingredients
In a large bowl, mix two cups of all-purpose flour with a pinch of salt. Gradually add half a cup of water and two tablespoons of vegetable oil, kneading into a smooth dough. If it's dry or sticky, adjust with more water or flour. Cover with a cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes to settle before shaping.
Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, mix all-purpose flour with a pinch of salt. Add water and vegetable oil gradually, kneading until you have a smooth dough. If it's too dry or sticky, tweak the consistency with more water or flour. Once the dough is ready, cover it with a cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes to settle.
Making the filling
While the dough rests, heat olive oil in a pan on medium. Add onions, sauteing until translucent. Then, mix in mushrooms and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until the mushrooms are tender and their liquid has evaporated. Take the pan off the heat and let the mushroom mixture cool down before it's used as filling.
Shaping pierogi
Once the dough has settled, cut it into two equal parts to make it more manageable. On a surface dusted with flour, roll out one section until it's roughly one-eighth inch thick. Use a round cutter or the rim of a glass to punch out dough circles. Then, place a generous spoonful of the cooled mushroom mixture onto each dough circle's center.
Cooking pierogi
To seal the pierogi, fold the dough circles over the mushroom mixture to form half moons. Press the edges firmly with fingers or a fork, ensuring they are well sealed. This prevents the filling from escaping during cooking. Carefully sealing each pierogi is essential for maintaining their shape and ensuring a delightful outcome once they are cooked to perfection.