Meat dumplings are a popular comfort food found in many cuisines, from Russian pelmeni to Chinese jiaozi and Polish pierogi. Here’s a basic recipe for dumplings with meat (inspired by Russian pelmeni), featuring tender dough filled with flavorful ground meat.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (120ml) water
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Meat Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef, pork, or a mix
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) cold water or broth (to keep the filling moist)
For Serving:
- Butter
- Sour cream
- Fresh dill or parsley (optional)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the egg, water, and vegetable oil.
- Stir with a fork or spoon until a rough dough forms, then transfer it to a floured surface.
- Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover it with plastic wrap or a towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.
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Prepare the Meat Filling:
- In a bowl, mix the ground meat, finely chopped onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and herbs (if using). Gradually add the cold water or broth to make the mixture moist and easier to work with.
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Roll Out the Dough:
- Divide the dough into two portions. Roll out one portion on a floured surface until it's about 1/8-inch (3mm) thick.
- Use a round cookie cutter or a glass (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut out circles from the dough.
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Fill the Dumplings:
- Place a small spoonful (about 1 tsp) of the meat filling in the center of each dough circle.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape and pinch the edges tightly to seal. You can crimp the edges for a decorative effect.
- Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
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Cook the Dumplings:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Drop the dumplings in batches into the boiling water and stir gently to prevent sticking. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the dumplings float to the top and the dough is tender. Ensure the meat is fully cooked inside.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
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Serve:
- Toss the dumplings with butter and serve hot with a dollop of sour cream. Garnish with fresh herbs like dill or parsley for added flavor.
Optional Variations:
- Broth: You can serve the dumplings in a light broth for a soup-style dish.
- Pan-fried: After boiling, you can pan-fry the dumplings in butter for a crispy exterior.
Enjoy your homemade meat dumplings!
