Siberian Meat Dumplings
Siberian meat dumplings, known as pelmeni, feature a tender dough filled with seasoned ground beef and onions, perfect for hearty soups or served with sour cream.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Break the egg into the flour, add salt, and mix with cold water gradually to form a stiff dough.
- Knead the dough until smooth and leave in a cool place while preparing the filling.
- Fry the minced onion in butter until light and translucent.
- Add ground beef and seasoning to the onion and break the mixture apart with a fork.
- Roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness.
- Cut out small circles approximately 2 inches across.
- Place about a scant teaspoon of filling into the center of each dough circle.
- Dip your finger into cold water and wet the edges of each circle to seal.
- Fold the circle to form a pouch-like shape and pinch the edges together to seal.
- Drop the dumplings into salted boiling water and cook uncovered for about 5 minutes until they rise to the surface.
Tips & Substitutions
For an easier filling, consider using pre-cooked ground beef or leftover beef from dishes like Stuffed Flank Steak Teriyaki. If you're in a pinch, you can substitute the beef with pork or chicken. Ensure your dough is well-kneaded for a perfect texture. For added flavor, try incorporating herbs like dill or parsley into the filling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Siberian meat dumplings hot with a drizzle of melted butter or a side of sour cream for dipping. They pair exceptionally well with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables, making for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, consider serving them alongside a bowl of broth or soup, similar to what you might find in Chandra'S Broccoli And Beef.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply boil them for a couple of minutes until heated through, or sauté them in a pan with a bit of butter for a crispy texture. Freezing is also an option; just ensure they are well-separated before transferring to a freezer bag.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Siberian Meat Dumplings contains roughly 871 calories, with 20g protein, 147g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (39% of the Daily Value), iron (32% of the Daily Value), and calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 642mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Just ensure to let it come to room temperature before rolling it out, as this will make it easier to handle.
What can I use as a filling besides beef?
You can experiment with various fillings! Ground pork or chicken work well, or opt for a vegetarian filling with mushrooms and spinach. This flexibility allows you to make a version that fits your dietary preferences or leftovers you have on hand.
How do I know when the dumplings are done cooking?
The dumplings are cooked once they float to the surface of the boiling water, which typically takes about 5 minutes. Once they float, give them an extra minute before removing them to ensure the filling is thoroughly cooked.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).