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๐Ÿ‡ท๐Ÿ‡บ Russia ยท Food

Pelmeni

โฑ 120 min
A recipe worth the effort
๐Ÿ”ฅ 450 kcal
Hearty helping
๐Ÿฝ 6 servings
Feeds a crowd

By eatmundo ยท September 8, 2026

Pelmeni๐Ÿ‡ท๐Ÿ‡บ RUAI-generated image

Classic Siberian dumplings featuring a succulent mix of spiced meats wrapped in a thin, elastic dough. These are often boiled in broth and served with sour cream or vinegar.

Ingredients

How to Make It

  • 1

    Finely mince the beef and pork together in a bowl until the mixture is uniform.

  • 2

    Grate the onions into the meat and add minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful filling.

  • 3

    Roll the dough out on a floured surface until it is paper-thin, about 2mm thick.

  • 4

    Cut the dough into 5cm circles using a glass or circular cutter.

  • 5

    Place a small teaspoon of filling in the center of each circle.

  • 6

    Fold the circle in half and pinch the edges tightly to seal them, then join the two ends together.

  • 7

    Drop the dumplings into a large pot of boiling salted water and cook for 5-7 minutes.

  • 8

    Remove with a slotted spoon once they float to the top, serving immediately while steaming hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Pelmeni?+

Pelmeni are traditional Russian dumplings consisting of a meat filling, usually a mix of beef and pork, enclosed in a thin dough wrapper. They originate from Siberia and are a staple throughout Russia, typically served with sour cream, butter, or vinegar.

Can I freeze them?+

Yes, pelmeni are traditionally made in large batches and frozen on trays before being transferred to bags. They can be cooked directly from frozen in boiling water.

What is the secret to a good filling?+

The secret is adding a bit of cold water or ice to the meat mixture to keep it juicy during the boiling process.

What do I serve with them?+

They are commonly served with cold sour cream (smetana), a splash of vinegar, or melted butter with chopped fresh dill.

How thin should the dough be?+

The dough should be rolled to approximately 1.5 to 2 millimeters; if it is too thick, the texture will be chewy rather than delicate.

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