Homemade Mushroom and Cheese Pirozhki

Ingredients

• For the dough: For the dough:
• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (7g) active dry yeast 1 packet (7g) active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup (120ml) warm milk 1/2 cup (120ml) warm milk
• 2 tablespoons (25g) sugar 2 tablespoons (25g) sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, melted 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg 1 large egg
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 2 cups (300g) mushrooms, finely chopped 2 cups (300g) mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup (120g) cream cheese 1/2 cup (120g) cream cheese
• 1/2 cup (120g) shredded mozzarella cheese 1/2 cup (120g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the egg wash: For the egg wash:
• 1 large egg 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) milk 1 tablespoon (15ml) milk

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 16g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 5g
• Protein: 9g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. 3.
   Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. 4.
   Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, and sauté until translucent. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and become tender. Remove from heat and let it cool.
5. 5.
   In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and the cooled mushroom mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. 7.
   Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a circle about 4 inches in diameter.
8. 8.
   Place a spoonful of the mushroom and cheese filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the edges over the filling and pinch to seal, forming a small bun shape.
9. 9.
   Arrange the pirozhki on the prepared baking sheet. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk for the egg wash. Brush the pirozhki with the egg wash.
10. 10.
    Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the pirozhki are golden brown.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Mushrooms — Make sure to finely chop the mushrooms to ensure a consistent texture in the filling.
• Cream cheese — Soften the cream cheese at room temperature before mixing it with the other ingredients for a smoother filling.
• Yeast — Check the expiration date on the yeast packet to ensure it is still active and will help the dough rise properly.
• Egg wash — Whisk the egg and milk together until well combined for a glossy and golden finish on the pirozhki.
• Rising time — The dough should double in size during the rising time. If it doesn't, check the temperature of the environment and make sure it is warm enough for the yeast to activate.

Tips & Tricks

• For a variation, you can add cooked ground meat or sautéed vegetables to the filling.
• Serve the pirozhki warm for the best taste and texture.
• These pirozhki can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven before serving.
• Experiment with different types of cheese for the filling, such as cheddar or feta, to add unique flavors.
• If you prefer a crispier crust, brush the pirozhki with melted butter before baking.

Serving advice

Serve the Mushroom and Cheese Pirozhki as an appetizer or snack. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a side salad or soup for a more substantial meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the freshly baked pirozhki on a platter, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or dill. Serve them warm to showcase their golden brown crust and enticing aroma.