Hand-Me-Down Dumplings

By: Wes Simons | June 18 2010
Posted in Seattle - Cook It - Seattle

Most good family recipes don't have exact ingredients, and this one from my girlfriend's grandmother is the same way. Russian dumplings, or pelmeni, are the perfect meal to prep for when you are craving something hearty and flavorful. Dumplings can also be frozen for later consumption, just make sure they don't stick together in the freezer.

Photo: Wes Simons

The Dough

Start by mixing three cups of flour, one egg and one cup of water in a large bowl. Add a bit of salt and continue stirring until the mixture has a solid, doughy consistency. Store the dough in a plastic bag until needed.

The Filling

Mix ground pork and beef together at a 2:1 ratio. Chop and stir in the onions, parsley and cilantro to taste. Having a hot pan nearby to cook a bit of the filling is the best way to taste; I wouldn't recommend eating it raw. Add salt and pepper and water to the mixture to give it a sticky texture so that the meat doesn't crumble when cooked.

Dumpling Time

Roll out the dough until it is about one millimeter thick. Cut circles out of the dough that are about two inches in diameter. A juice glass or a cookie cutter works well for getting the right shape. Place a small drop of the meat filling into the middle of the dough, and then fold the edges together and press them. Press the edges firmly or the filling will leak out when cooking.

Cooking

Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the dumplings. They should cook for nine to twelve minutes depending on the size. Make sure the raw meat is cooked! Serve the dumplings with sour cream. Add Tabasco if you are looking for some extra kick.

What's a favorite recipe passed down in your family?