Shortcut Pierogies Recipe

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• Caramelized Onions: 2 sweet onions
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil or canola oil
• Pierogies: 1 (16 ounce) package frozen cheese and potato pierogies (e.g., Mrs. Ts 4-Cheese Medley)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil or canola oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Toppings: 1/3 cup sour cream
• 3 strips cooked, crisp bacon, crumbled
• 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley or chives
• 4 fresh lemon wedges

Directions

1. Prepare the onions: Trim the ends of the onions, cut them in half lengthwise, and peel. Slice each half thinly from top to bottom.
2. Caramelize the onions: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, tossing them to coat well. Stir occasionally until they begin to soften, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are golden brown. If the onions start to stick, add a splash of water.
3. Cook the pierogies: In a separate large nonstick skillet, heat butter and oil over medium heat. Add the pierogies in a single layer and cook for about 16 minutes, flipping halfway through (or follow the package directions). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Assemble the dish: Once the pierogies are cooked, transfer them to a serving plate. Add a dollop of sour cream to each pierogi, and top with caramelized onions and crumbled bacon.
5. Finish the dish: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley or chives. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Cook's Note

If you prefer softer pierogies, you can boil them first. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add the pierogies, and cook for 3 minutes. Drain the pierogies, then brown them lightly in an oiled skillet for just a few minutes before adding the toppings and serving.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving: 526 Calories

• Total Fat: 28g (36% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 10g (48% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 43mg (14% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 851mg (37% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 62g (23% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 7g (26% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 13g
• Protein: 14g (28% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 103mg (114% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 170mg (13% Daily Value)
• Iron: 3mg (16% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 612mg (13% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Story Behind Pierogies

Pierogies are a beloved dish with roots tracing back to Central and Eastern Europe, particularly Poland and Ukraine. Traditionally, these dumplings were made by hand, filled with a variety of ingredients such as potatoes, cheese, sauerkraut, mushrooms, or meat. Their history is intertwined with the agricultural lifestyle of these regions, where simple, hearty, and affordable ingredients were turned into nourishing meals. Over centuries, pierogies evolved from a staple home-cooked dish to a symbol of cultural identity and festive gatherings, often appearing at holidays and family celebrations.

Regional Variations and Features

While the concept of stuffed dumplings is universal, pierogies have distinct regional characteristics. In Poland, they are often boiled and lightly fried, served with onions and sour cream, or accompanied by bacon bits. Ukrainian pierogies, known as varenyky, might include sweet fillings like cherries or berries. In the United States and Canada, frozen pierogies have become popular, with shortcuts like using pre-packaged varieties for quicker preparation. Ingredients and toppings vary, reflecting local tastes and available produce, which gives each region its own culinary signature.

What Sets Pierogies Apart

Pierogies differ from other dumplings due to their unique dough-to-filling ratio and the variety of both savory and sweet fillings. Unlike Italian ravioli, which are usually smaller and more delicate, pierogies are heartier, often pan-fried after boiling to create a golden, slightly crisp exterior. They are also distinct from Asian dumplings in their flavor profiles, favoring potato, cheese, and onion combinations rather than soy-based seasonings or meats. This versatility allows pierogies to be served as appetizers, main courses, or even desserts.

Typical Places to Enjoy Pierogies

Pierogies are commonly found in Eastern European households, Polish festivals, and diners specializing in comfort food. In North America, they appear in casual restaurants, food trucks, and grocery store frozen sections, often dressed with modern twists like caramelized onions, bacon, or gourmet cheeses. They are popular at gatherings, potlucks, and parties, offering a convenient and crowd-pleasing dish that bridges traditional recipes with contemporary dining habits.

Interesting Facts About Pierogies

• Pierogies are celebrated annually in the United States, with events like the Pierogi Festival in Whiting, Indiana, attracting thousands of fans.
• They were historically a way to stretch inexpensive ingredients into a filling meal, highlighting the resourcefulness of Eastern European cooks.
• Modern shortcuts, such as using frozen pierogies, reflect the dishs adaptation to busy lifestyles while maintaining its signature taste.
• Sweet pierogies, often served with fruit preserves or sweetened cheese, demonstrate the dumplings versatility beyond savory meals.
• The word pierogi is plural in Polish; the singular is pierg, but in English, both forms are often used interchangeably.

FAQ about Shortcut Pierogies Recipe

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