Traditional Russian Pirozhki

Ingredients and Weight:

• All-purpose flour: 3 cups (360g)
• Active dry yeast: 2 1/4 teaspoons (10g)
• Warm water: 1 1/2 cups (360ml)
• Sugar: 1 tablespoon (15g)
• Salt: 1 teaspoon (5g)
• Butter, softened: 1/4 cup (56g)
• Vegetable oil: for greasing
• Ground beef: 1 pound (450g)
• Onion, chopped: 1 medium (120g)
• Garlic, minced: 2 cloves (6g)
• Salt and pepper: to taste

Preparation Time:

1 hour

Cooking Time:

20-25 minutes

Difficulty Level:

3 - Medium

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. Add the warm water and stir until a dough forms.
3. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Add the softened butter and knead for another minute.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. While the dough is rising, make the filling. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
7. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
8. Season the filling with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces.
10. Roll out each piece of dough into a circle, about 6 inches in diameter.
11. Place 1/4 cup of the filling in the center of each circle.
12. Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges to seal.
13. Place the pirozhki on a greased baking sheet and let rise for 15 minutes.
14. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
15. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Nutritional Information:

Per serving (1 pirozhok):

• Calories: 300
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 15g

Dish Characteristics:

• Soft and fluffy dough
• Savory and flavorful meat filling
• Versatile and can be served as a main dish or appetizer
• Easy to hold and eat

User Comments:

• "These pirozhki are absolutely delicious! The dough is perfect and the filling is so flavorful."
• "I love the way these are shaped. They're so easy to eat and perfect for parties."
• "I'm not a big fan of Russian food, but these pirozhki were a great surprise. They're so good!"

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Make sure the water is warm enough to activate the yeast, but not too hot or it will kill the yeast.
• If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If the dough is too dry, add a little more water.
• Let the dough rise in a warm place to ensure it doubles in size.
• Be careful not to overbake the pirozhki, as they can dry out quickly.