Pelmeni (Serbia)

World-Bites (76) / Pelmeni

In the Serbian cuisine, with the meat as the basic element, there are a lot of meals that can be considered as snacks. Bacon (slanina) is considered snack in the Serbian cuisine. It consists of certain cuts of meat taken from the sides or back of a pig, cured and sometimes smoked. Sandwiches are considered as great snacks, and are usually prepared with cheese and different types of hams and sausages, such as: Njeguški pršut, or Kulen. Pelmeni (Serbian Ravoli) is a popular snack that can also serve as a main meal.

Ingredients for the dough

200 gm all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs (lightly beaten)
80 ml water

Combine flour and salt and mound on a clean surface.
Make a well in the centre and add eggs and water.
Incorporate flour mixture with egg mixture by working around the walls of the well until the dough is mixed.
Knead on a floured surface until soft and pliable.
Form into 100 balls, cover with a moist towel and let rest at room temperature for one hour.

Ingredients for the filling

450 gm ground meat
1 onion (minced)
1 teaspoon dried dill
Salt and pepper
White of one small egg (beaten)
Water, chicken or meat broth
120 gm butter

Mix ground meat, onion, dill, salt and pepper to taste and enough water to make a soft mixture.
When the dough is ready flatten the dough balls into circles with a diameter of 7.5 cm. Place one tablespoon filling on each dough round. Brush the edges with water and fold the dough to form half moons. Pinch opposite ends to one another to seal. Repeat this with the rest of the dough balls. Brush the pelmeni with beaten egg white.
Bring a large pot full of salted water to boil, you also can use chicken or meat broth. Without crowding, drop the pelmeni into the boiling water (or broth), stirring to prevent sticking, until the pelmeni comes to surface (about 4 minutes). Remove the pelmeni and put them on a large plate.
Melt butter over medium heat and drizzle it over the pelmeni.

You can also serve pelmeni with sour cream or a white sauce. The children like them with ketchup.