In this post, let us visit the ultimate comfort food with our delicious Apple Pierogi Recipe, a sweet based on the traditional Eastern European cuisine. Perfect for any season, especially fall, this recipe combines the tartness of apples with warm, spices with flavour, wrapped in a soft, pillowy flour dough.
Apple pierogi are a delightful twist on traditional Eastern European dumplings. Instead of savory fillings, these pierogies are stuffed with a sweet, spiced apple mixture, encased in a tender dough. They bridge the gap between dessert and main dish, offering a unique and flavorful treat that’s perfect for autumn.
Ingredients For Apple Pierogi Recipe:
- 4 large apples (I recommend a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a balance of tart and sweet)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar, adjust based on sweetness of apples
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- For the Pierogi Dough (Just in case you need it):
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1/2 cup water, room temperature
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Servings: Makes enough filling for about 30 pierogies, depending on size.
Preparation Time for Apple Pierogi recipe: 20 minutes
Cook Time for Apple Pierogi recipe: 10 minutes
Total Time for Apple Pierogi recipe: 30 minutes
Step by Step Instructions for preparing Apple Pierogi Recipe:
Below are the Step by Step Instructions for preparing Apple Pierogi Recipe:
Preparing the Apple Filling:
- Peel and Dice the Apples: Start by peeling your apples, then coring and cutting them into small dice. This ensures they’ll cook down nicely and fit into your pierogi shells.
- Cook the Apples: In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender but not mushy, about 5-7 minutes. You’re looking for the apples to soften and the spices to meld beautifully with the fruit.
- Finish the Filling: Stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract, cooking for another minute. Then, remove the pan from the heat and let the filling cool. The lemon juice adds a lovely brightness that cuts through the sweetness, while the vanilla brings a comforting, warm aroma that’s simply irresistible.
- Taste and Adjust: Once your filling has cooled slightly, give it a taste. Depending on the sweetness of your apples, you might want to adjust the sugar. Remember, the filling should be a little sweeter than you might think, as it will be encased in dough.
Preparing the Pierogi Dough:
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the egg, oil, and water. Start mixing with a fork, gradually bringing in flour from the sides until the dough starts to come together.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. Let it rest for at least 20 minutes under a clean kitchen towel. This rest period makes the dough easier to roll out and shape.
- Roll and Cut: Roll the dough on a floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter (a glass with a sharp edge works great) to cut circles for your pierogies.
- Fill and Shape: Place a small spoonful of the apple filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal, using a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
- Cook the Pierogies: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pierogies in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. They’re done when they float to the surface, about 3-4 minutes. For an extra layer of flavor, saute the boiled pierogies in butter until golden brown.
Serving Suggestions for Apple Pierogi:
Serve your apple pierogies with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness. They’re fantastic as a dessert, a sweet breakfast, or even a snack.
Apple Pierogi Recipe is one of the tastiest dessert recipes to make at home.
Apple Pierogi Facts
Below are some of the interesting facts about apple pierogi:
Fact | Detail |
---|---|
Origin | Apple pierogi put a sweet spin on the traditional Eastern European dumpling, which historically features savory fillings. |
Main Ingredients | Typically includes apples, sugar, cinnamon, dough (flour, water, egg), and sometimes lemon juice or vanilla for added flavor. |
Serving Suggestions | Often served with powdered sugar, cinnamon, or sour cream. Can be enjoyed as a dessert, snack, or a unique main dish. |
Cultural Significance | Pierogi are a staple in Eastern European cuisine, and introducing sweet fillings like apple showcases the versatility and adaptability of this beloved dish. |
Cooking Methods | After assembling, apple pierogies can be boiled, sautéed in butter, or even baked, offering a range of textures from soft to crispy. |
Health Aspects | While primarily a comfort food, using fresh apples adds a nutritional component, providing fiber and vitamins. |
Variations | There are many variations, including the type of apple used, which can significantly affect the sweetness and tartness of the filling. |
Seasonal Popularity | Apple pierogies are particularly popular in the autumn months, aligning with apple harvest time and seasonal flavors. |
Making apple pierogies from scratch might sound difficult but it’s also an incredibly rewarding experience. The process of kneading the dough, preparing the filling, and shaping each pierogi is almost therapeutic. And the result? A batch of warm, comforting apple pierogis served fresh on a plate.
Apple Pierogi Recipe
Equipment
- 1 steel pan
- 1 glass bowl
- 1 dough roller
Ingredients
- 4 large apples I recommend a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a balance of tart and sweet
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar adjust based on sweetness of apples
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting
- 1/2 cup water room temperature
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Start by peeling your apples, then coring and cutting them into small dice. This ensures they'll cook down nicely and fit into your pierogi shells.4 large apples
- In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender but not mushy, about 5-7 minutes.1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, A pinch of salt
- Stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract, cooking for another minute. Then, remove the pan from the heat and let the filling cool.1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Taste and Adjust: Once your filling has cooled slightly, give it a taste. Adjust the sugar if needed.
- In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the egg, oil, and water. Mix until the dough starts to come together, then knead it on a floured surface for about 5 minutes. Let it rest for at least 20 minutes under a clean kitchen towel.1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup water, 1 large egg, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Roll the dough on a floured surface until it's about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter to cut circles for your pierogies.
- Fill and Shape: Place a small spoonful of the apple filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pierogies in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. They're done when they float to the surface, about 3-4 minutes. Optionally, sauté the boiled pierogies in butter until golden brown.2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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