Teresa's Recipes
Savory Beef Piroshky
Piroshky is a beloved traditional Russian pastry that delights the senses with its flaky exterior and savory filling. These hand-held pastries, often enjoyed as a snack or meal, are perfect for any occasion. This recipe features a delicious filling of ground beef seasoned with aromatic garlic and sweet onions, all encased in a beautifully soft, golden dough. A true comfort food, these piroshky are best served warm, with a side of sour cream for dipping. A dish steeped in history, piroshky have been enjoyed in Russia for centuries, often filled with whatever ingredients were on hand, showcasing the resourcefulness of home cooks throughout the ages.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons Active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon Granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup Warm water
- 1/2 cup, warmed Milk
- 1/4 cup, melted Unsalted butter
- 1 large, beaten (for dough) + 1 for egg wash Eggs
- 3 to 4 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 pound Ground beef
- 1 medium, finely chopped Onion
- 2 cloves, minced Garlic
- to taste Black pepper
- for serving Sour cream
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 8
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 30g
- Protein: 18g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Sugar: 1g
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, beaten egg, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
- Gradually add 3 cups of flour, stirring until a dough begins to form. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, adding more flour as needed, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a circle about 5-6 inches in diameter.
- Place a spoonful of the beef filling in the center of each circle, fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, and pinch the edges to seal tightly. Place the piroshky on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops of the piroshky with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve warm with sour cream on the side for dipping.
Tips
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or lentils.
- Feel free to experiment with different fillings such as cabbage, potatoes, or cheese.
- Piroshky can be frozen before baking. Just thaw and bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.