Ucrainian Piroshki with Green Peas
Although it might seem unusual, these are traditional "home food" at my grandmother's house in Ukraine. Every time we visited her, she would make dumplings ("vareniki" with potatoes) and piroshki with green peas and garlic sauce. Since then, I have been determined to remember this recipe, writing it down from my mother and grandmother. I make it occasionally to relive those special flavors.
Typically, dried green peas are used for the filling, but you could try using frozen or canned peas to make a dense puree.
My grandmother made them with a simple yeast dough (similar to bread dough) which works perfectly for a vegan option. I decided to use the Potato Piroshki dough for its softness and tenderness. I highly recommend trying this version; they are delicious and even children like them.
This is what dried green peas look like.
I soaked 1 cup of green peas in 3 cups of water for 2-3 hours.
Then I drained the water, added approximately 2 cups of fresh water, and brought the pan to a boil.
Once boiling, I added 1 bay leaf (optional) and a few tablespoons of oil, reduced the heat, and let it simmer gently.
The peas should cook quickly until almost all the water evaporates. If there is still water but the peas are cooked, drain the excess water and allow them to cool slightly.
Meanwhile, sauté the finely chopped onion in oil.
Combine the peas and sautéed onions with oil in a blender and mix well.
You can also pass it through a meat grinder, as my grandmother used to do.
Season with salt and pepper, then allow the puree to cool completely.
Meanwhile, I prepared the dough according to the Potato Piroshki Recipe, let it rise, kneaded it, and cut it into about 20 small pieces.
Form small balls from each piece of dough, then use a rolling pin or your hands to flatten them to a diameter of about 5-7 cm.
Add 1 tablespoon of filling to each piece.
Seal the edges securely, leaving the middle open—this is the traditional shape of this type of piroshki.
Continue making them all in this manner, place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Brush with a beaten egg and allow them to rise for 15-20 minutes.
Bake in a preheated oven at 180-200 degrees Celsius until they are golden brown.
To make the sauce, crush the garlic, add a little water, salt, and 1-2 tablespoons of oil, and mix well.
Serve hot with the garlic sauce poured into the center or dip each bite into the sauce :)
If using bread dough, let them soak for 10-15 minutes before serving by placing them in a bowl, covering with a towel, and pouring garlic sauce on top.
Enjoy!
