Virgin Islands Pelmeni

Ingredients

In this adaptation, we infuse the traditional Russian Pelmeni with the vibrant flavors of the United States Virgin Islands. The original dish is typically served with sour cream or butter, but we replace it with a tangy and spicy dipping sauce to add a Caribbean twist. Additionally, we incorporate local herbs and spices to enhance the tropical flavors of the dumplings. We alse have the original recipe for Pelmeni, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) water 1/2 cup (120ml) water
• 1 pound (450g) ground meat (beef, pork, or a combination) 1 pound (450g) ground meat (beef, pork, or a combination)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (15g) fresh cilantro, chopped 1/4 cup (15g) fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add water and knead until a smooth dough forms. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, mix together the ground meat, onion, garlic, cilantro, parsley, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. 3.
   Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it is about 1/8 inch thick. Using a round cookie cutter or a glass, cut out circles from the dough.
4. 4.
   Place a small spoonful of the meat mixture in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough in half, sealing the edges by pressing them together firmly.
5. 5.
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the dumplings in batches for about 5-7 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Remove them with a slotted spoon and set aside.
6. 6.
   Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the cooked dumplings until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
7. 7.
   Serve the Virgin Islands Pelmeni hot with the tangy and spicy dipping sauce.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground meat — Choose a lean ground meat such as beef or pork for a healthier option. You can also use a combination of both for added flavor.
• Fresh cilantro and parsley — Make sure to wash the herbs thoroughly and pat them dry before chopping. The fresh herbs add a vibrant taste to the dumplings.

Tips & Tricks

• To save time, you can prepare the filling in advance and refrigerate it until ready to use.
• Experiment with different dipping sauces to find your favorite combination of tangy and spicy flavors.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground meat with a mixture of finely chopped vegetables and mushrooms.

Serving advice

Serve the Virgin Islands Pelmeni as a main course accompanied by a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. The tangy and spicy dipping sauce adds a burst of flavor to each bite.

Presentation advice

Arrange the cooked dumplings on a platter, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves. Place the dipping sauce in a small bowl in the center of the platter for easy access.