Russian Piroshki (Meat Hand Pies) Recipe

Introduction

Russian Piroshki are delightful small hand pies featuring a golden, crispy exterior and a savory beef filling. Soft yet firm dough surrounds the flavorful meat, making these pastries perfect for snacks, meals, or gatherings. Their comforting taste and versatility make them a favorite in many homes.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1/2 cup warm milk
• 1/4 cup warm water
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 egg
• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup mushrooms, finely chopped (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon butter for frying
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast.
2. Step 2: Add warm milk, warm water, vegetable oil, and one egg. Mix to form a dough.
3. Step 3: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a towel and let it rest for 1 hour until doubled in size.
4. Step 4: For the filling, heat butter in a pan over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion and mushrooms (if using) until softened.
5. Step 5: Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and fully cooked. Set aside to cool slightly.
6. Step 6: Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut it into 12 equal pieces.
7. Step 7: Place a spoonful of the meat filling in the center of each piece of dough. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and pinch edges tightly to seal.
8. Step 8: Place the sealed piroshki on a baking sheet. Brush each with the beaten egg to create a shiny crust.
9. Step 9: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Tips & Variations

• For a different flavor, try substituting mushrooms or adding sautéed cabbage to the filling.
• Use ground chicken or a mix of meats for a lighter filling.
• Try frying piroshki instead of baking for an extra crispy exterior.
• Serve warm with sour cream or a simple dipping sauce for added richness.

Storage

Store leftover piroshki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to retain crispiness. You can also freeze unbaked piroshki; thaw and bake as directed when ready to enjoy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance. After kneading, cover it tightly and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature before rolling out.

Can I use store-bought dough for this recipe?

While homemade dough yields the best flavor and texture, you can use store-bought dough such as puff pastry or pizza dough as a shortcut. Adjust baking time as needed.

Russian Piroshki (Meat Hand Pies) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 59 reviews

• Author: anna
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 hand pies 1x

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Description

These Russian Piroshki are golden, crispy hand pies filled with a savory ground beef mixture. The soft, elastic dough combined with a flavorful filling makes them perfect as a snack, appetizer, or part of a meal. Traditionally baked to a golden brown, these versatile pies can be customized with various fillings and enjoyed warm with sauces or a side salad.

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Ingredients

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Dough

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1/2 cup warm milk
• 1/4 cup warm water
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 egg

Filling

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup mushrooms, finely chopped (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon butter for frying

Finishing

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast. Add warm milk, warm water, vegetable oil, and one egg. Stir to combine and then knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Cover with a towel and let it rest in a warm area for 1 hour to rise.
2. Prepare the filling: Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onion and mushrooms until soft and translucent. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Shape the piroshki: On a floured surface, roll out the risen dough and cut it into 12 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a small circle.
4. Fill and seal: Place a spoonful of the meat filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges tightly to seal, forming a half-moon shaped hand pie.
5. Prepare for baking: Place the assembled piroshki onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Beat one egg and brush it over each piroshki to create a shiny, golden crust when baked.
6. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the piroshki for 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
7. Serve warm: Remove from oven and serve warm, optionally accompanied by dipping sauces, a fresh salad, or a traditional Russian side like borscht or pickled vegetables.

Notes

• The filling can be customized with other ingredients such as chicken, vegetables, or sweet fillings like fruit or cheese.
• For a crispier texture, piroshki can also be fried instead of baked, a popular preparation in Russia.
• Ensure the dough is well kneaded to develop gluten for a tender yet firm crust.
• Use an egg wash for a shiny golden finish on the baked pies.
• Serving with traditional Russian beverages such as kvass or tea enhances the authentic experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Russian

Keywords: Russian Piroshki, Meat Hand Pies, Ground Beef Hand Pies, Russian Snack, Baked Piroshki, Traditional Russian Food