Pirozhki
Traditional Russian filled pastries with a soft, pillowy dough encasing savory meat or cabbage filling. Pan-fried until golden, these handheld treats are perfect as appetizers or snacks.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 eggs
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 1/2 tbsp active dry yeast
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, minced
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
-
1
Mix 1 cup warm milk, 1 tbsp sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tbsp active dry yeast in a bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
-
2
Add 2 eggs and 4 tbsp butter, melted, then gradually mix in 4 cups all-purpose flour to form a soft, slightly sticky dough. Knead for 5 minutes until smooth.
-
3
Cover and let rise for 30 minutes until doubled in size.
-
4
While dough rises, prepare filling: sauté 1/2 medium minced onion until soft. Add 1/2 lb ground beef and cook until browned. Season with 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cool slightly.
-
5
Divide dough into 8-12 equal pieces. Roll each into a thin circle and place a spoonful of filling on one half.
-
6
Fold dough over filling and seal edges firmly with a fork, creating a half-moon shape.
-
7
Heat 4 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying) in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry pirozhki in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
-
8
Serve hot as appetizers or snacks.