Russian Pelmeni Recipe with New Dough

Discover how to make authentic Russian Pelmeni with a new and improved dough that’s soft, tender, and perfect for stuffing with a flavorful filling of ground turkey, pork, and seasonings. Pelmeni are classic Russian dumplings, ideal for any occasion, and this recipe offers easy-to-follow instructions whether you’re using a pelmeni mold or making them by hand. Serve these dumplings with traditional toppings like sour cream, melted butter, or vinegar for a truly comforting meal. Plus, you can freeze the pelmeni to enjoy later – making them a convenient, delicious option for busy days.

Pelmeni are a beloved traditional Russian dish made of delicate dough wrapped around a savory filling of ground turkey, pork, and seasonings. These dumplings are easy to prepare and offer a comforting meal for any occasion. The recipe features a new, improved dough that’s rich and flavorful, creating a soft and chewy texture for the perfect bite. Whether you’re making pelmeni by hand or using a pelmeni mold, these dumplings are easy to shape and freeze for future meals. Serve with sour cream, melted butter, or your favorite toppings for an authentic and satisfying meal.

Ingredients for Pelmeni Dough:

• 2/3 cups buttermilk
• 1 Tbsp sour cream
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups warm water
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 7 cups plus 6 Tbsp unbleached all-purpose flour

Ingredients for Pelmeni Filling:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 lb ground pork
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, pressed
• 1/2 tsp ground pepper
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)

Ingredients for Toppings:

• Melted butter
• Sour cream
• Vinegar
• Ketchup

Instructions

How to Make Basic Pelmeni Dough:

1. Mix 2/3 cup buttermilk, 1 tbsp sour cream, 2 cups warm water, 2 eggs, and 1 1/2 tsp salt using the whisk attachment on medium speed until well blended.
2. Switch to the dough hook and add 4 cups of flour. Mix on speed 2 until blended.
3. Add 3 more cups of flour, one cup at a time, mixing well with each addition. Add the remaining 6 Tbsp of flour until the dough is no longer sticking to the sides of the bowl. Mix for 5 minutes (total mixing time should be around 20 minutes).
4. Place dough on a lightly floured surface.

How to Make Pelmeni Filling:

1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a medium skillet. Sauté onion until golden, then add garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Mix pork, turkey, onion, garlic, 3/4 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp ground pepper, and 1 tsp hot sauce (optional).

Assembling Pelmeni (Using a Mold or by Hand):

• Using a mold: Roll out dough into circles and place over the mold. Fill each pocket with 1/2 tsp of the meat mixture. Roll out another dough circle and press over the mold to seal. Roll with a rolling pin, define the pelmeni, then flip the mold and carefully release the dumplings onto a floured surface.
• By hand: Roll dough into a log, cut into small portions, and roll each into a 1.5-inch circle. Place 1 tsp of filling in the center, fold, and pinch the edges to seal into a dumpling shape.

Freezing Pelmeni: Arrange pelmeni on a well-floured cutting board, sprinkle with flour, and freeze. Once frozen, transfer to Ziploc bags for storage.

Cooking Pelmeni:

1. Bring water to a boil with 1 tbsp salt for a large pot (or 1 tsp salt for a smaller pot). Add frozen pelmeni and return to a boil.
2. Once pelmeni float, cook for an additional 3 minutes or until meat is fully cooked. Drain and toss with melted butter and dill (optional).
3. Serve warm with ketchup, sour cream, or vinegar.

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Tips

• For better flavor: Freeze pelmeni overnight for the best texture and flavor when cooking.
• Don’t overfill the dumplings to avoid the filling spilling out during cooking.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian pelmeni: Replace the meat filling with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and onions for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
• Use chicken: Swap ground turkey or pork for ground chicken for a leaner version of this dish.

FAQs

Can I make pelmeni in advance?
Yes, you can freeze the pelmeni uncooked and cook them directly from frozen.

Can I use a different type of meat?
You can substitute ground beef, chicken, or lamb in place of turkey and pork for a different flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Pelmeni are traditionally served with sour cream, melted butter, or vinegar, but you can also pair them with a fresh salad or a hearty broth for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pelmeni are the perfect comfort food: tender, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Whether you make them by hand or use a pelmeni mold, they’re a fun and rewarding dish that can be customized to your taste. With a rich dough and savory filling, this recipe will become a family favorite in no time!