Perogies - Potato & Cheese Filling

A Ukrainian tradition, these dumplings can be filled with Cheese & Potato, Cottage Cheese, Sauerkraut, or Blueberries. We always had them at Christmas and Easter celebrations. They are also called Varenyky (dumplings).

Dough Ingredients 

3 cups of all purpose flour 

1 egg 

1/2 to 3/4 cup of warm water 

1 tbs butter 

1/8 tsp salt 

Combine water, egg, salt and butter. Add to flour and mix well.  Form into a ball and knead until smooth. 

Brush with oil and let stand 15 to 30 minutes in a bowl covered with plastic wrap. 

Break off a piece of dough about the size of a tennis ball and roll out using a bit of flour.  Cut into circles - 3" in diameter. Put about 1 tbs of filling in the center and fold the circle in half.  Pinch the edges to seal, careful not to get any filling in the edges.  Set aside on a floured plate and cover with a tea towel.

To make a mushroom sauce, fry one lb of mushrooms in butter with 1 small chopped onion.  Add 1 cup of sourcream, salt and pepper and heat through

Potato & Cheese Filling

4 potatoes 

1 tsp salt, pepper to taste 

1 tbs butter 

1/2 pound of extra old (sharp) 

cheddar cheese, grated 

Peel the potatoes and boil them.  Drain.  While still hot, add the butter and cheese, salt and pepper and cover till the cheese melts a little.  Mash until smooth. Add fried onions if desired. The filling can be made ahead and kept in the fridge for the next day. 

Cooking Directions  

Drop into boiling, salted water one at a time and stir gently.  Cook on medium heat, 15-20 minutes.  Test if they are ready when they float to the top.  Strain and add 2 tbs of butter and toss gently. 

Serve with sourcream or mushroom sauce.  Add fried onions on top if desired.