Ingredients

Dough Ingredients

500 grams all-purpose flour (4 cups)
7 grams dry yeast (1 packet)
250 ml milk (1 cup)
1 egg
70 ml vegetable oil (1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons)
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
We recommend:

Instructions

Step 1

Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, dry yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients well to ensure even distribution of the yeast.

Next, gently warm the milk to about 35°C (95°F) and add it to the flour mixture along with the egg. Start mixing with a fork or whisk, combining the ingredients from the center and gradually incorporating the flour from the edges.

Once combined, you can either knead the dough by hand or use a stand mixer with a dough hook. If kneading by hand, work the dough until it becomes soft and elastic, which should take about 10-15 minutes.

Step 2

Let the Dough Rise

After kneading, transfer the dough into a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap and place it in a warm area to rise for about 1 hour. The dough should approximately double in size during this time.

Step 3

Prepare the Filling

While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. Shred the cabbage and grate the carrots finely. In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil and butter over medium heat.

Add the cabbage and grated carrots to the skillet and cover. Sauté for about 1 minute until a slight golden color appears. Stir the mixture and season with salt, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the vegetables are cooked.

Step 4

Shape the Pirozhki

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and divide it into 12 equal portions, rolling them into balls. Using a rolling pin, flatten each portion into a circle.

Place 1-2 tablespoons of the cabbage filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges tightly to seal, forming a small pastry. Place each pirozhok seam side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 5

Final Rise and Bake

Cover the pirozhki with a kitchen towel and allow them to rise for an additional 20 minutes. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

Before baking, brush the tops of the pirozhki with a mixture of egg yolk and milk for a golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

Step 6

Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, let the pirozhki cool slightly under a towel. Serve warm and enjoy these delightful Russian pastries with loved ones.

Servings

When your Cabbage Puffs come out of the oven, let them cool a bit before serving. They are delicious as is, but you could add some fun twists!

✨ Serve them alongside a vibrant dipping sauce, such as a tangy garlic yogurt or spicy mustard for a flavor blast! 🥙

🍽️ Pair these puffs with a refreshing salad featuring cherry tomatoes and cucumbers tossed in a light vinaigrette. It balances the flavors perfectly!

👪 For family gatherings, present your Cabbage Puffs in a charming basket lined with a cloth. They make fantastic finger foods that are sure to disappear quickly!

Equipment

Cooking Pot

A pot for sautéing your cabbage and carrot filling will ensure everything cooks evenly. Choose a non-stick option for easy stirring.

We recommend:

Variations

For those with dietary preferences, these Cabbage Puffs can be adapted easily!

🌾 **Gluten-Free**: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Make sure the blend contains xantham gum for better structure.

🌱 **Vegan**: Replace the egg with flaxseed meal (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water), use almond milk instead of dairy, and opt for plant-based butter for sautéing.

Your delicious puffs can cater to everyone at the table!

Faq

  • What do I do if my dough is too sticky?

    If your dough is overly sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it becomes manageable without losing its softness.

  • Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

    Absolutely! The filling can be made up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you're ready to use.

  • How can I ensure my pastries are perfectly golden brown?

    Make sure to preheat your oven thoroughly and brush the tops with the egg yolk-milk mixture before baking for that enticing golden color.

  • What if I don’t have dry yeast?

    You can use fresh yeast instead; substitute 25g of fresh yeast for 7g of dry yeast, and be sure to activate it in warm milk before adding it to the mixture.

  • Can these puffs be frozen?

    Yes! You can freeze the uncooked puffs before they go into the oven. Just bake them straight from the freezer! Add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

  • What can I use instead of cabbage in the filling?

    Try using shredded kale, spinach, or mushrooms for a different flavor profile. Adapting the filling can make for a fun variation!

Nutrition facts

Cabbage Pirozhki: Delightful Russian Pastries
Recipe Yield:12 servings
Calories:Approximate calorie range per serving.
Calories (Min - Max):200 - 300
Total Fat:10g
Saturated Fat:1.5g
Protein:5g
Total Carbohydrate:30g
Total Sugars:3g