Pierogi z Kapustą i Grzybami (Sauerkraut and Mushroom Dumplings)
Why this recipe works
- Savoury, tangy filling: Cooking the mushrooms, onion and sauerkraut together concentrates the filling and balances earthy, sweet and acidic flavours.
- Tender boiled dough: Resting and rolling the dough thinly helps create the soft, supple texture expected from classic pierogi.
- Good for batch cooking: The dumplings can be frozen and cooked from frozen, making them practical for preparing ahead.
Get the most out of this recipe
Ingredient notes
- Squeeze the sauerkraut well: Removing excess brine helps the filling become cohesive rather than wet, which makes the pierogi easier to seal.
- Cook off the mushroom moisture: Let the mushrooms release and evaporate their liquid before adding the sauerkraut so the filling stays savoury and concentrated.
- Use a tangy topping: Sour cream adds cool richness that contrasts well with the sharp sauerkraut and buttery finish.
Common mistakes
- Using a wet filling: A loose filling can leak during boiling, so cook the mixture until it is fairly dry before shaping.
- Letting the dough dry out: Keep unused dough covered while rolling and filling; dry edges are harder to seal neatly.
- Boiling too vigorously: Use a gentle boil so the pierogi cook through without the seams opening or the dough becoming rough.
Make-ahead tips
- Freeze in a single layer: Cool the pierogi completely, freeze until solid, then bag them so they do not stick together.
- Reheat gently: Warm refrigerated pierogi in gently boiling water until piping hot, or pan-fry in butter for a richer finish.
- Cook from frozen: Frozen pierogi can go straight into the pot; add a little extra boiling time and cook until heated through.
Authenticity notes
- Polish home-style dumplings: Sauerkraut and mushroom pierogi are a familiar Polish meat-free filling, valued for their sharp, earthy flavour.
- Simple serving style: Melted butter and sour cream keep the focus on the filling while adding richness and contrast.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Dough
Filling and to serve
Instructions
- Make the dough: put the plain flour and fine sea salt in a mixing bowl and make a well. Crack in the egg and add 160 ml warm water, then mix to a shaggy dough and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and rest for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, make the filling: warm the rapeseed oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Finely chop the yellow onion and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until soft and lightly golden. Chop the mushrooms and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until their liquid has evaporated and they start to colour.
- Squeeze the sauerkraut well, then roughly chop it and add to the pan. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture is fairly dry and cohesive. Season with the black pepper and a pinch of fine sea salt if needed, then cool until just warm.
- Roll and fill: divide the dough into two pieces and keep one covered while you work. Roll the other piece thinly on a lightly floured surface, about 2 mm thick, then cut rounds about 7 to 8 cm wide. Spoon a small mound of filling into each round, fold over, press out any air, and pinch firmly to seal.
- Boil the pierogi: bring a large pot of well-salted water to a gentle boil. Cook the pierogi in batches, stirring once so they do not stick, until they float and the dough looks slightly puffed, then cook 2 minutes more. Lift out with a slotted spoon and drain briefly in a colander.
- Finish and serve: melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over low heat until fully melted. Toss the hot pierogi with the butter to coat. Serve with a spoon of sour cream on the side.
Recipe notes
Tips
- Keep the dough covered whenever you are not rolling it, as it dries quickly and becomes harder to seal.
- Seal firmly: if the edges feel floury, lightly moisten them with a fingertip dipped in water before pinching closed.
- If serving to pregnant people, young children, older adults, or anyone immunocompromised, use pasteurised egg and ensure the pierogi are cooked until the filling is piping hot.
Substitutions
- Replace Sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangy topping.
- Replace Unsalted butter with Rapeseed oil for serving if you prefer a dairy-free finish.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Cool completely, then refrigerate in a sealed container. Reheat by simmering in gently boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes until piping hot, or pan-fry in a little unsalted butter until warmed through. Freeze in a single layer until solid, then bag; cook from frozen, adding 1 to 2 minutes to the boiling time.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 4 servings
- Total time: 2h (1h 5min active)
- Difficulty: Advanced
- Cuisine: Polish
-
Allergens:
Eggs Gluten Milk Wheat
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