Turkey Pelmeni Recipe (Ukrainian Meat Dumplings)
Try this Turkey Pelmeni Recipe Ukrainian Meat Dumplings recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Turkey Pelmeni Recipe Ukrainian Meat Dumplings recipe, or contribute your own.
- filling ingredients:
- dough ingredients:
- 2 cups (475 ml) – whey
- 1 large – eggs (i used homegrown eggs)
- 5 cups (625 g) – sifted all-purpose organic flour
- 1 tbsp. (15 ml) – baking soda
- 1/4 tsp. (1.25 ml) – sea salt
- 1.25 lbs. (567 grams) – turkey breast tenderloins
- 1 tsp. (5 ml) – sea salt
- 1/4 tsp. (1.25 ml) – black ground pepper
- 1 large – egg (i used homegrown egg)
- 1 small – organic onion
- 1 - 2 small – garlic cloves (i used homegrown garlic)
- Carbohydrate 0 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 0 g
- Saturated Fat 0 g
- Serving Size 1 1 pelmeni (2g)
- Sodium 0 mg
- Sugar 0 g
- Trans Fat 0 g
- Calories 0 calories
Step-by-step
- Meat Instructions: Wash turkey breast tenderloins and grind them. Add shredded onion, garlic, salt, black pepper, and egg. Mix well with a hand mixer until all combined. Cover with plastic food wrap and place in the refrigerator until ready for use.
- Dough Instructions: Combine all the dry ingredients together and set aside. Pour whey into the mixer bowl, add egg and mix on medium speed with the mixer whisk attachment for 30 seconds or until combined. Switch attachment to mixer's dough hook, add half of the flour mixture to the whey mixture and mix on the lowest speed. Continue adding ½ cup of flour mixture at a time thereafter until soft dough forms with no clumps.
- Transfer dough onto a large cutting board or work surface dusted with flour. Cut a fist-size piece out of the dough and roll it out into a large circle (a little wider than the Pelmeni Maker). Place the Pelmeni Maker on the dough. Sprinkle some flour to dust the Pelmeni Maker and dough (to prevent sticking).
- Place the floured side of the dough over the floured Pelmeni Maker. Place 1 tsp. of seasoned ground turkey meat into each pocket. Roll another dough circle and place it over the Pelmeni Maker filled with meat.
- Using a rolling pin, press and roll over the top (from the center outward) until all pelmeni are cut and all the hexagon shapes are well visible. Remove the outer layer of the remaining dough and knead it into a ball (to be used for the next bottom layer). Turn the Pelmeni Maker (filled with pelmeni) over and hit an edge against the rolling pin or cutting board a couple of times until all pelmeni fall out from the pockets.
- Place the raw/uncooked pelmeni onto a rectangular plate so it’s easy to toss them into a pot of boiling water for cooking all at once. Repeat the same steps until you’ve used up the rest of the dough and meat. You should have approximately 5 batches or 275 pelmenis. Freeze leftover pelmeni in a zip lock bag.
- Unfrozen Pelmeni Cooking Instructions: Bring a medium pot filled with water halfway to a boil (on high temp) then carefully toss in pelmeni. Reduce the heat to medium and stir. The boiling will subside and then resume. As soon as gentle boiling starts, simmer pelmeni for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer cooked pelmeni into a bowl. Add 1 tbsp. of butter, cut into smaller pieces, then toss to coat.
- Frozen Pelmeni Cooking Instructions: Bring a medium pot filled with water halfway to a boil (on high temp) then carefully toss pelmeni into the pot. Do not reduce the heat (keep it on high) and stir. The coldness of frozen pelmeni will cause boiling to subside and then it will resume. As soon as pelmeni start boiling again, reduce the heat to low/medium and let them simmer for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer cooked pelmeni into a bowl. Add 1 tbsp. of butter, cut into smaller pieces, then toss to coat.
- Serve pelmeni right away with vinegar or sour cream (our preference). Enjoy!
A Taste of Home: My Ukrainian Turkey Pelmeni Adventure
The aroma of simmering pelmeni, those delicate little dumplings, always takes me back to my grandmother’s kitchen in Ukraine. The warmth, the laughter, the comforting feeling of family gathered around a steaming bowl – these are the memories that fuel my passion for cooking. This recipe, for turkey pelmeni, is my own adaptation, a modern twist on a beloved tradition. While my grandmother used pork, I’ve opted for lean turkey breast, a healthier choice that doesn’t compromise on flavor. It's a recipe born from a desire to share a piece of my heritage with my family, while still incorporating the convenience and health-consciousness of modern life.
Making pelmeni is an adventure in itself. It's a labor of love, a process that requires patience and precision. The rhythmic rolling of the dough, the careful placement of the filling, the satisfying thud as each perfectly formed dumpling drops into the boiling water – it's a meditative experience. And the reward? A bowl of tender, flavorful pelmeni, bursting with the rich taste of turkey and spices. I love to serve mine with a dollop of sour cream and a splash of vinegar, a simple yet perfect accompaniment that enhances the delicate flavors of the filling.
Beyond the simple act of cooking, making pelmeni is about connection. It's about passing down traditions, sharing stories, and creating lasting memories. It’s a chance to slow down, to reconnect with my roots, and to appreciate the simple pleasures of life. The act of preparing these dumplings is, in a way, a form of self-care, a time for reflection and connection with my heritage. It's more than just a meal; it's an experience, a journey back in time to the heart of Ukrainian culinary traditions. The process can be lengthy, but the end result—a bowl of warm, comforting pelmeni—is more than worth the effort.
Beyond the Recipe: A Deeper Dive into Ukrainian Culture
Ukrainian cuisine is incredibly diverse, reflecting the country's rich history and geography. From hearty borscht to delicate varenyky, Ukrainian food tells a story, a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of its people. Pelmeni, specifically, hold a special place in the hearts of many Ukrainians. They’re a staple food, often enjoyed on special occasions or during colder months when a warm, filling meal is especially welcome. Their versatility also makes them a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a more elaborate festive meal.
The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its deliciousness, but in its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different fillings, incorporating seasonal vegetables or herbs. The dough itself can be tweaked to your liking; some prefer a richer, more buttery dough, while others prefer a lighter, flakier version. The possibilities are endless, allowing for a personalized culinary experience that reflects your unique tastes and preferences. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own!
More than Just Dumplings: A Symbol of Tradition and Connection
For me, making pelmeni isn't just about following a recipe; it's about creating a connection with my heritage. It's about sharing a taste of my past with my present, and ensuring that those cherished family traditions continue to thrive in the years to come. The act of preparing and sharing this dish with loved ones is a celebration of family, a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural traditions, and a reminder of the warmth and comfort that good food can bring.
So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and embark on your own pelmeni adventure. You might be surprised at the joy and satisfaction you find in this time-honored tradition. And remember, the most important ingredient in any recipe is love – the love you put into the preparation, and the love you share with those you serve. Smachnoho! (Bon appétit!)
