Pierogi, the beloved Eastern European dumpling, holds a special place in the hearts and on the plates of those who have had the pleasure of experiencing its comforting embrace. These delightful pockets of dough, traditionally stuffed with a variety of fillings ranging from savory to sweet, offer a culinary canvas that reflects the rich tapestry of cultures from which they originate. Mashed potatoes and cheese are like a hug in itself, so stuff them in some dumpling dough? GENIUS.

I thought that the plural word for pierogi was "pierogies", but apparently there is no s. So make sure you say it correctly in front of a polish person. 😂  

Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think!

You can always get a hold of me on Instagram.  

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A Brief History:

The story of pierogi is steeped in a history that traverses continents and cultures, making it difficult to pinpoint its exact origins. While commonly associated with Poland, pierogi enjoy popularity across Eastern Europe and have cousins in nearly every culinary tradition, from Italian ravioli to Chinese dumplings. The consensus among culinary historians is that pierogi, in their myriad forms, likely originated from China, traveling through the Silk Road to reach Europe.

The cutest little dumpling wrappers 🥹

At its core, the traditional pierogi is a simple dish: a thin dough wrapper, a heart of filling, and a cooking process that usually involves boiling or frying. Yet, within this simplicity lies a depth of flavor and tradition. The most classic fillings include potato and cheese (often referred to as "Ruskie"), sauerkraut and mushrooms, and minced meat. Sweet versions, filled with fruits like cherries or blueberries, are equally traditional and typically served as a dessert or a summer treat.

The making of pierogi is often a communal activity, particularly in Poland, where families and friends gather to prepare the dish for festive occasions. Each pierogi is crafted with care, the edges crimped to seal in the filling, ensuring that every bite is a perfect blend of dough and core ingredients.

I use a cookie dough scoop to ensure the filling is a consistant amount.

While tradition forms the backbone of pierogi, modern interpretations have taken this humble dumpling to new culinary heights. Chefs and home cooks alike experiment with fillings, incorporating ingredients like wild mushrooms, gourmet cheeses, and even fusion elements like kimchi or curry spices. The versatility of pierogi makes them a perfect canvas for culinary creativity, allowing them to seamlessly fit into the menus of upscale restaurants and street food vendors alike.

Find me making this recipe on instagram. If you make this, feel free to tag me @mora_ceramics.

Written by Alixandrea Tieben