Russian Piroshki (Meat Hand Pies) Recipe
Russian Piroshki are traditional meat-filled hand pies featuring a soft, yeasted dough wrapped around a savory ground beef and sautéed onion filling. These delicious pastries are baked until golden brown, making them a perfect snack or appetizer with a satisfying blend of tender dough and flavorful meat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 piroshki 1x
- Category: Savory Pastry
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Russian
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 egg
Filling
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, finely chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter for frying
Egg Wash
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast. Add the warm milk, warm water, vegetable oil, and one egg, mixing all ingredients to form a dough.
- Knead the Dough: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Once kneaded, cover the bowl with a towel and let the dough rest and rise for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Cook the Filling: While the dough is rising, heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onion and mushrooms (if using) until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the ground beef, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Shape the Piroshki: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface. Cut it into 12 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a small circle, place a spoonful of the meat filling in the center, then fold the dough over and pinch the edges tightly to seal the filling inside.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the filled piroshki on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Beat the remaining egg and brush it over each piroshki to give them a beautiful golden color when baked.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the piroshki for 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top.
Notes
- You can substitute ground pork or a combination of beef and pork for a richer filling.
- Add finely chopped boiled egg or cooked rice to the filling for added texture and flavor.
- Make sure the dough is well kneaded to ensure a tender and fluffy crust.
- The mushrooms are optional but add a nice depth of flavor and moisture to the filling.
- These piroshki can be frozen after shaping and before baking. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Keywords: Russian piroshki, meat pies, savory hand pies, ground beef pastry, baked piroshki, Russian appetizer
