Potato Pierogi

 Prep Time: 2 hours   Cook Time:  10 minutes   Rest the dough:  30 minutes   Total Time:  2 hours 40 minutes   Serves: 60 pierogies

4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp salt

1 cups milk warm (105 degrees)

2 large eggs

3 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted

1/3 cup sour cream

2 lb russet potatoes

1/4 cup diced yellow onion

1 Tbsp unsalted butter

3 Tbsp sour cream

2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 cup shredded medium cheddar cheese

1 medium yellow onion

1/2 cup unsalted butter 

Make the mashed potato filling:

1.  Start off by making the mashed potato filling first.  In a medium sized pot, add 2 lb of peeled and cubed russet potatoes.  Add 1/4 cup diced onion.

2.  Fill the pot with enough water so that the potatoes area covered with about 1-2 inches of water on top

.3.  Bring the heat to high and let the potatoes come to a boil.  Then let them simmer for about 20 minutes or until the potatoes become fork tender.

4.  Drain the water out and add 1 Tbsp unsalted butter, 3 Tbsp sour cream, 2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp garlic powder.

5.  Using an electric hand mixer beat the potatoes at high speed until sooth and creamy.

6.  Once the potato filling has cooled completely, mix in 1/2 cup shredded medium cheddar cheese.  Then set it aside for later.

Make the Pierogi dough:

1.  In a stand mixer, sift 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, with 2 tsp of salt.

2.  Pour 1 cup of warm milk into a large measuring cup along with 2 large eggs, 3 Tbsp unsalted melted butter, and 1/3 cup sour cream.

3.  Using a whisk or fork, lightly mix up the mixture just until the yolks break up.

4.  Pour it into the stand mixer.  Then begin mixing the dough using the hook attachment.  You'll want to start off on low speed, then slowly pick the speed up to high.

5.  Mix the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.  Depending on the flour you use and the size of your eggs, you may need to add a little more flour.  Only add 1 Tbsp at a time.

6.  Once the dough is mixed, transfer it to a lightly greased (oil) bowl.  Then cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.

Roll and Cut the dough:

1.  Now place your dough onto a floured surface and divide it into 4 equal pieces.  Then round each piece of dough into a ball.

2.  Take one piece of dough and begin rolling it out to about 1/16 of an inch thick or just under 1/8 inch thick.  You want it very thin.  Make sure to cover the remaining pieces of dough with plastic wrap to keep them from drying out.

3.  Now take a 3 inch biscuit cutter or a glass cup and begin cutting out as many circles as you can.

4.  Then collect the scraps and cover them with plastic wrap.

Fill and shape the Pierogies:

1.  Place 1/2 Tbsp of the potato filling into each piece of dough.  Lightly press the potato filling to avoid uneven-ness and air pockets.

2.  To shape and seal the pierogi fold it in half and pinch the ends together.  Then go over one more time to give them a tight seal.  You can leave them as they are or you can get fancy and create a crimped edge.  

3.  Continue doing this same process with the remaining dough.

4.  Grab those extra scraps, reshape them and roll the dough out again and cut out some more dough circles.  Fill them with the potato filling and seal just the same way.  Once you're done you should get about 60 pierogies.

Make the caramelized onions and boil the pierogies:

1.  Now bring a pot of water to a boil, and in the meantime, dice up 1 medium onion.

2.  Add 1/2 cup unsalted butter to a skillet and bring it to medium heat.  Add in the diced onion and stir until the onion is caramelized and translucent.

3.  Salt the boiling water an carefully add the pierogies one at a time.  Once they float to the top boil for another 3-5 minutes.  Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked pierogies into a bowl or plat and top with the buttery caramelize onion. Serve with a dollop of sour cream.

Notes:

* Once you've made this pierogi recipe, place any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.  They can also be frozen in a Ziplock freezer bag for a couple of months.  Allow them to thaw before reheating.

* Frozen (uncooked) pierogies can be boiled right away.  If they have already been cooked, you can pan fry them or reheat them in the microwave.

Recipe:  Simple Home Cooked