Homemade Cottage Cheese Pierogies

Homemade Cottage Cheese Pierogies Recipe - Vegetarian Polish Cuisine

Region / culture: Poland | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Homemade Cottage Cheese Pierogies are a traditional Polish dish that consists of delicious dumplings filled with a creamy cottage cheese mixture. These pierogies are a comforting and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish.

History

Pierogies have been a staple in Polish cuisine for centuries, with various fillings and flavors being passed down through generations. The combination of cottage cheese and dough creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures that have stood the test of time.

Ingredients

Cottage cheese filling

2 cups dry curd cottage cheese
1 egg, slightly beaten
salt

Perogies

2.5 cups flour
0.5 tsp salt
1 egg
2 tsp oil
0.75 cup warm water

How to prepare

Cottage cheese filling

Combine the cottage cheese with the egg and season with salt to taste.
If the cheese is very dry, you can add an additional egg (or egg yolk) or thick sour cream.
The filling should have a thick consistency that allows it to hold its shape.

Perogies

In a deep bowl, mix the flour with the salt.
Add the egg, oil, and water to make a medium soft dough.
Knead the dough on a floured board until it becomes smooth.
Caution: Avoid excessive kneading as it may toughen the dough.
Divide the dough into 2 parts.
Cover and let it stand for at least 10 minutes.
Prepare the filling.
Roll the dough quite thin on a floured board.
Cut rounds using a large biscuit cutter or the open end of a glass.
Place the round in the palm of your hand.
Put a spoonful of filling in it, fold it over to form a half circle, and press the edges together with your fingers.
Ensure that the edges are free of filling.
Seal the edges well to prevent the filling from leaking out.
Place the pierogi on a floured board or tea towel, and cover with another tea towel to prevent them from drying out.
Drop a few pierogies into a large pot of rapidly boiling salted water.
Avoid cooking too many at a time.
Gently stir with a wooden spoon to separate them and prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Continue boiling for 3-4 minutes.
The cooking time will depend on the size, thickness of the dough, and the filling.
Pierogies will be ready when they are puffed.
Use a perforated spoon or skimmer to remove them from the pot and drain thoroughly in a colander.
Place them in a deep dish and generously sprinkle with melted butter to prevent sticking.
Cover and keep them hot until all are cooked.
Serve the pierogies in a large dish without piling or crowding them.
Top with melted butter, chopped crisp bacon, and/or lightly browned chopped onions in butter.

Variations

You can customize the filling of the pierogies by adding ingredients like mashed potatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or cooked ground meat.

Notes

One of the great things about perogies, is that they can be made in large quantities, refrigerated, frozen and reheated without loss of quality. Many prefer reheated perogies as compared to freshly boiled ones. To re-heat, you can:
pan fry pierogies in butter or bacon fat until they are light in color
heat the pierogies in the top of a double boiler or in the oven until they are hot and plump
deep fry them.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to seal the edges of the pierogies well to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking.

- Avoid over-kneading the dough, as this can result in tough pierogies.

- Cook the pierogies in small batches to ensure they cook evenly and don't stick together.

- Serve the pierogies hot with a generous drizzle of melted butter and your favorite toppings.

Serving Suggestions

Homemade Cottage Cheese Pierogies can be served with a dollop of sour cream, chopped chives, crispy bacon bits, or caramelized onions.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling is the traditional method of cooking pierogies, but you can also pan-fry or bake them for a different texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use ricotta cheese or farmer's cheese as a substitute for cottage cheese in the filling.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the pierogies in advance and freeze them before cooking. Simply boil or pan-fry them straight from the freezer when ready to eat.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the pierogies on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Homemade Cottage Cheese Pierogies pair well with a crisp green salad, pickled vegetables, or a side of sauerkraut.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover pierogies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet with a little butter until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Homemade Cottage Cheese Pierogies contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Homemade Cottage Cheese Pierogies contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Homemade Cottage Cheese Pierogies contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Homemade Cottage Cheese Pierogies contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Homemade Cottage Cheese Pierogies are a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

Homemade Cottage Cheese Pierogies contain dairy (cottage cheese) and eggs.

Summary

Homemade Cottage Cheese Pierogies are a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. They are also a good source of essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Homemade Cottage Cheese Pierogies are a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy family meal or a special occasion. With a creamy cottage cheese filling and tender dough, these pierogies are sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl living in the small village of Krakow, Poland. My grandmother, may she rest in peace, was the one who first taught me how to make homemade cottage cheese pierogies.

It all started on a crisp autumn day, with the leaves changing colors and a chill in the air. My grandmother and I would spend hours in the kitchen together, cooking and sharing stories. She was a master in the kitchen, with a talent for creating delicious meals from scratch. One day, as we were preparing our usual batch of pierogies, she pulled out a faded old recipe card from her recipe box.

"This is a special recipe that has been passed down through our family for generations," she said with a twinkle in her eye. "It's for homemade cottage cheese pierogies, a traditional Polish dish that is sure to warm your soul."

I watched in awe as she carefully measured out the ingredients and mixed them together in a large mixing bowl. The smell of fresh dough and creamy cottage cheese filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. My grandmother showed me how to roll out the dough, cut it into circles, and spoon the cottage cheese filling onto each one before folding them over and sealing them shut.

As we worked together, she shared stories of her own childhood and how she had learned to cook from her own mother and grandmother. I listened intently, absorbing every detail and savoring the time we spent together in the kitchen. By the time we had finished making the pierogies, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment knowing that I had helped create something so delicious from scratch.

The pierogies were then boiled in a pot of hot water until they floated to the surface, signaling that they were ready to be served. My grandmother showed me how to fry them in butter until they were golden brown and crispy on the outside. The smell of butter and onions filled the kitchen, making my stomach growl with hunger.

Finally, it was time to sit down at the table and enjoy the fruits of our labor. The pierogies were served hot with a dollop of sour cream on top, a traditional accompaniment that added a tangy flavor to the dish. As I took my first bite, the creamy cottage cheese filling melted in my mouth, filling me with warmth and comfort.

From that day on, homemade cottage cheese pierogies became a staple in our household. My grandmother and I would make them together whenever we had a craving for something comforting and delicious. Over the years, I perfected the recipe and made it my own, adding my own special touches and variations to suit my taste.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, teaching my own grandchildren how to make homemade cottage cheese pierogies, I can't help but feel a sense of nostalgia and gratitude for the memories and traditions that have been passed down through the generations. The recipe may have originated from a faded old card in my grandmother's recipe box, but it has since become a cherished family heirloom that will continue to be passed down for years to come.

And as I watch my grandchildren eagerly devouring the pierogies, their faces lighting up with delight, I know that the tradition will carry on long after I am gone. The joy of cooking and sharing delicious meals with loved ones is a gift that will never fade, and I am grateful to have learned it from the best cook I know – my beloved grandmother.