Homemade Pelmeni with a Twist

Ingredients

• 300g (10.5 oz) ground beef 300g (10.5 oz) ground beef
• 200g (7 oz) ground pork 200g (7 oz) ground pork
• 100g (3.5 oz) ground lamb 100g (3.5 oz) ground lamb
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried dill 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 100g (3/4 cup) whole wheat flour 100g (3/4 cup) whole wheat flour
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 150ml (2/3 cup) water 150ml (2/3 cup) water
• Sour cream or melted butter, for serving Sour cream or melted butter, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat: 25g (total), 9g (saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 30g (total), 2g (sugars)
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, pork, lamb, onion, garlic, salt, black pepper, dried dill, dried thyme, and paprika. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour. Make a well in the center and add the eggs and water. Mix until a dough forms.
3. 3.
   Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
4. 4.
   Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 2-3mm (1/8 inch). Using a round cookie cutter or a glass, cut out circles of dough.
5. 5.
   Place a small spoonful of the meat filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the circle in half, pinching the edges together to seal the dumpling.
6. 6.
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully drop the pelmeni into the boiling water and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
7. 7.
   Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked pelmeni from the water and serve hot with a dollop of sour cream or melted butter.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground meat — Ensure the meat is fresh and of high quality to enhance the flavor of the filling.
• Dried dill and thyme — If you prefer a stronger herb flavor, you can use fresh dill and thyme instead of dried. Adjust the quantities to taste.

Tips & Tricks

• To save time, you can prepare the filling in advance and refrigerate it until ready to use.
• If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of chili flakes to the meat filling.
• Serve the pelmeni with a side of pickles or sauerkraut for a tangy contrast.
• Freeze any leftover pelmeni for future quick and delicious meals.
• Experiment with different dipping sauces such as soy sauce or vinegar for a unique twist.

Serving advice

Serve the pelmeni hot, allowing the sour cream or melted butter to melt over the dumplings. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for an added touch of freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the pelmeni on a plate in a visually appealing pattern, showcasing their beautiful shape. Drizzle a small amount of melted butter or sour cream on top and sprinkle with a pinch of paprika for a pop of color.