Ukrainian Zenia’s Potato Varenyky (perogies, Pyrohy)

Total Time: 15 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups warm mashed potatoes
• 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• salt & freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 egg yolks
• 1/2 cup cold mashed potatoes
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1/2 cup cool water (approx.)
• melted butter

Recipe

• 1 prepare the filling first: saute the onion in the butter until softened, about 6 minutes.
• 2 combine with the potatoes and cheese and mix well.
• 3 season with salt and pepper.
• 4 let cool thoroughly before using.
• 5 (the filling can be made a day ahead and kept covered and refrigerated.
• 6 bring to room temperature before using.).
• 7 to make the dough: combine the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl.
• 8 add the egg yolks, mashed potatoes, melted butter and just enough of the water to form a medium-soft dough.
• 9 turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth. (too much kneading will make the dough tough.).
• 10 divide the dough in half and cover with an inverted bowl.
• 11 let stand for 10 minutes.
• 12 roll out the dough until it is quite thin and cut rounds about 2 to 3 inches wide with a large biscuit cutter.
• 13 bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a little salt.
• 14 to each round of dough, add a spoonful of filling ad fold over to form a half circle.
• 15 press the edges together with well floured fingers, making sure the varenyky are well sealed.
• 16 transfer them to a lightly floured surface and cover them with a clean tea towel so that they do not dry out.
• 17 drop a few at a time into the boiling water, stirring gently with a wooden spoon to separate them and keep them from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
• 18 boil for 3 to 4 minutes, at which point they should be puffed and bobbing on the surface.
• 19 (the thinner the dough and the smaller the pyrohy, the quicker they will cook.).
• 20 transfer with a slotted spoon to a colander, drain thoroughly and place in a warmed bowl.
• 21 drizzle with melted butter and toss gently to keep them from sticking together.
• 22 cover and keep warm while you cook the remaining varenyky.
• 23 serve with fried onions and sour cream. serve hot. makes 4 serving.
• 24 great potatoes.