Ingredients

Dough Ingredients

200 ml warm milk (about 0.85 cups)
8 grams yeast (about 0.3 ounces)
40 grams sugar (about 3 tablespoons)
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
600 grams flour (about 4.5 cups)
50 grams butter (about 3.5 tablespoons)
We recommend:

Instructions

Step 1

Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, sugar, and salt.

Stir gently to dissolve the yeast, then add the eggs, flour, and softened butter.

Knead until a soft, elastic dough forms. Once ready, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1.5 hours.

Step 2

Prepare the Filling

While the dough rises, peel and boil the potatoes in salted water until tender.

Once cooked, drain the potatoes and mash them with butter, salt, pepper, and your choice of fresh herbs to taste.

Step 3

Form the Pirozhki

When the dough has risen, divide it into 8 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball.

Let the dough balls rest for another 10 minutes.

Roll each ball into a circle on a floured surface. Fold the circle in half and make several cuts on the folded edge. Interlace the folded edges to create a braided effect.

Open the braid slightly, fill with the prepared potato mixture, and fold the edges over the filling to seal.

Step 4

Final Touches and Baking

Brush the tops of the pirozhki with a mixture of egg yolk and milk.

Allow them to rest for 15 minutes before baking.

Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Servings

🌟 **Serving Suggestions:** 🌟

These delightful potato pies make for a fantastic appetizer or snack, but their versatility doesn’t stop there! Pair them alongside a refreshing **garden salad** mixed with your favorite dressing for a light lunch. You can even serve them as a side dish at dinner, complementing rich meat dishes or hearty soups.

🎉 Feeling festive? Make these pies the star of your next family gathering! Arrange them on a large platter with various dips like sour cream or spicy salsa to spice things up! Your guests will love sampling each delicious bite.

✨ **Kids' Favorite:** These pies are not only tasty but can also become a fun activity for the little ones. Involve them in making the dough and filling, making it a bonding experience as they shape their own pies before baking!

Equipment

Measuring Cups & Spoons

Precision is key in baking! Having a good set of measuring cups and spoons will help you to accurately measure each ingredient.

We recommend:

Variations

🌱 **Gluten-Free and Vegan Variations:** 🌱

For those with dietary restrictions, rejoice! You can easily make these potato pies gluten-free by substituting regular flour with your choice of gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that it contains some binder (like xanthan gum) to give it that perfect texture!

🥕 To make these pies vegan, replace the eggs with a combination of ground flaxseed and water (1 tablespoon ground flax plus 2.5 tablespoons water equals one egg). Use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk and swap the butter for a vegan alternative. Trust us, they will taste just as heavenly!

Faq

  • What if my dough is too sticky?

    If your dough feels sticky, try adding a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a soft, pliable consistency.

  • Can I make the filling ahead of time?

    Absolutely! You can prepare the potato filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator to save time on baking day.

  • How do I know when the pies are fully baked?

    The pies are ready when they are beautifully golden-brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

  • Can I freeze the uncooked pies?

    Yes! You can freeze the shaped but uncooked pies. Just make sure to place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before storing them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

  • What are some creative filling alternatives?

    Try adding sautéed mushrooms, cheese, or spinach for a unique twist! The possibilities are endless.

  • How can I ensure my pies have a flaky crust?

    Make sure your butter is chilled and work quickly when mixing the dough to keep the fats from melting – this will give your crust that perfect flakiness!

Nutrition facts

Traditional Potato Pirozhki Recipe for Home Baking
Recipe Yield:8 servings
Calories:Approximate calorie range per serving
Calories (Min - Max):280 - 350
Total Fat:11g
Saturated Fat:4g
Protein:7g
Total Carbohydrate:40g
Total Sugars:5g