How to Make Perfect Pierogi: Poland's Famous Dumplings

By Ivan PetrenkoMay 19, 2024 08:30 AMNews
Share:
A plate of pierogi
A plate of pierogi. Source: unsplash

Pierogi, the beloved Polish dumplings, are a versatile and delicious dish that can be filled with a variety of ingredients such as cheese, wild mushrooms, or fruit. Here's a step-by-step guide to making perfect pierogi at home.

1. Dough

The traditional pierogi dough is made with simple ingredients: flour, rapeseed oil, a pinch of salt, and warm water. While many Polish households have their own preferred recipes, some add eggs for extra richness, a culinary influence thought to have come from Italy.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon of rapeseed oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 3/4 cup of warm water
  • (Optional) 1 egg

Instructions:

  1. Mix the flour and salt in a large bowl.
  2. Create a well in the center and add the oil and warm water (and the egg if using).
  3. Stir until the dough starts to come together.

2. Kneading

Once the ingredients are mixed, knead the dough for about 7-8 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a cloth and let it rest for 20-30 minutes. Resting the dough makes it more pliable and easier to roll out thinly, resulting in delicate pierogi.

3. Filling

Pierogi fillings can vary widely. The most popular filling is a mixture of white twaróg cheese, caramelized onions, and potatoes. During the summer, sweet fruit-filled pierogi are a favorite, while the Christmas classic is wild mushroom and sauerkraut. Almost any finely chopped leftovers can also be used as filling.

Cheese and Potato Filling:

  • 1 cup of mashed potatoes
  • 1/2 cup of twaróg or farmer's cheese
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped and caramelized
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Combine the mashed potatoes, cheese, and caramelized onions.
  2. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Cutting and Pinching

Roll out the rested dough on a floured surface until it is about 1/8 inch thick. Use the rim of a glass to cut out circles from the dough. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle, fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, and seal the edges by pressing with your thumb and index finger. You can also use a fork to crimp the edges or try a decorative pinching technique.

5. Cooking and Serving

Boil the pierogi in salted water until they float to the surface, which typically takes about 3-4 minutes. You can then fry them in oil or butter until crispy, if desired. Add a topping, known as 'okrasa', such as crispy fried onions or bacon bits. Serve with a dollop of sour cream.

Instructions:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add the pierogi in batches and cook until they float.
  3. Optionally, fry the boiled pierogi in oil or butter until golden and crispy.
  4. Top with your choice of crispy fried onions or bacon bits and serve with sour cream.

Enjoy your homemade pierogi, whether sweet or savory, and savor a taste of Polish tradition in every bite.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
SunExpress aircraft in flight before landing

New Summer Route Links Liverpool with Türkiye’s Southern Coast

Jul 5, 2025 23:25 PM
Rail tracks leading into a bridge with visible construction and electrical infrastructure

Expect Train Delays as Shrewsbury–Crewe Route Closes for Repairs

Jul 5, 2025 21:41 PM

Six New Cities Added to KLM’s 2025 Network amid Growing Summer Traffic

Jul 5, 2025 19:38 PM

Steam Train Journeys Return with New Routes for Exploring Britain’s Nature and History This Summer

Jul 5, 2025 17:56 PM
Two Greater Anglia trains at a station platform under electric lines

Greater Anglia Introduces Fare Offers Ahead of Summer Festivals in East Anglia

Jul 5, 2025 16:43 PM
AirAsia airplane wing with logo against clear sky

AirAsia’s New Fleet Set to Unlock More Direct Long-Haul Flights for Travelers

Jul 5, 2025 15:39 PM
Rail maintenance machinery working on train tracks near passenger trains

Calabria Rail Maintenance Weekend Disrupts Key Travel Routes

Jul 4, 2025 23:27 PM
Passenger checking carry-on luggage at airport baggage claim

Finnair Reminds Passengers of Carry On Rules Ahead of New EU Liquid Restrictions

Jul 4, 2025 21:56 PM
Railway workers conducting track maintenance with tools and wooden sleeper

Cardiff Rail Upgrades Will Disrupt Weekend Travel and Affect Passengers

Jul 4, 2025 19:31 PM

Croatia Airlines Resumes Zagreb and Bucharest Flights Enhancing Travel Options for Passengers

Jul 4, 2025 17:28 PM

Munich to Casablanca Flights Resume, Opening Door to West Africa

Jul 4, 2025 15:45 PM
Manchester Piccadilly railway station with multiple platforms and trains during daytime

Rail Delays and Route Changes in Manchester During Oasis Concert Week

Jul 4, 2025 11:32 AM
Etihad Airways aircraft in flight against a clear blue sky

New Etihad Route Links Atlanta to Abu Dhabi Without Stopovers

Jul 3, 2025 23:21 PM
Passengers waiting at Oslo Gardermoen Airport gate with planes outside

Scandinavians Gain Direct Winter Flights to Phuket for Faster Access to Thailand’s Beaches

Jul 3, 2025 21:47 PM
Railway workers and machinery performing track maintenance at a train station

Train Disruptions and Upgrades on the Naples Bari Line Affect Travelers

Jul 3, 2025 20:34 PM

Three New Hotels to Open in Calgary’s Event District by 2030

Jul 3, 2025 18:23 PM

New Etihad Routes Open Direct Access to Krakow and Salalah

Jul 3, 2025 07:49 AM
Modern hotel bedroom with neutral tones and tufted headboard

Historic Helsinki Hotel to Join Waldorf Astoria Brand

Jul 3, 2025 05:36 AM
Qatar Airways aircraft approaching for landing against a clear blue sky

Malta Reconnects: Direct Flights Open Easy Access

Jul 2, 2025 23:24 PM
Modern hotel room with stylish neutral decor and soft lighting

Kyoto to Welcome New Midscale Hotel Near Key Transit and Attractions

Jul 2, 2025 21:41 PM
Silhouetted travelers walking through airport at sunset

Loganair Makes Temporary Offer for More Flexible Tickets and Baggage Allowance

Jul 2, 2025 19:37 PM
Modern bedroom with blush pink decor and minimalist lighting

Fresh Accommodation Choice Opens Near Florence’s Iconic Landmarks

Jul 2, 2025 18:25 PM

Frankfurt Launches Long-Haul Flights Amid Busy Holiday Travel

Jul 2, 2025 17:42 PM

New hotel in Turgutreis opens up another side of Bodrum

Jul 2, 2025 07:38 AM
SAS Airbus A320neo regional jet in flight under cloudy sky

SAS’s New Regional Jets Set to Expand Travel Options Across Scandinavia

Jul 1, 2025 22:46 PM
Bright modern hotel room with two neatly made twin beds and minimalist decor

InterContinental Expands to Brisbane CBD as City Prepares for 2032 Games

Jul 1, 2025 20:29 PM