Make Homemade Pierogies for National Pierogi Day

National Pierogi Day, celebrated on October 8th each year, is a delightful occasion to pay homage to the beloved dumpling-like dish that has its roots in Eastern European cuisine. Pierogies are versatile, satisfying, and perfect for indulging in some homemade comfort food. If you've never tried making them from scratch, this is the perfect opportunity to embark on a culinary adventure and create your own homemade pierogies.

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup warm water

1 egg

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 cups mashed potatoes (seasoned with salt and pepper)

1 cup grated cheddar cheese

1/4 cup finely chopped onions (optional)

For the Filling (Variation: Sweet Pierogies):

2 cups of fruit preserves (e.g., blueberry, cherry, or apricot)

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Toppings:

Sour cream

Crispy bacon bits

Sautéed onions in butter

Start by preparing the pierogi dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.

In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and warm water together.

Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring continuously until a dough forms.

Knead the dough on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic. Then, cover it with a clean cloth and let it rest for about 30 minutes.

For the traditional potato and cheese filling, mix the mashed potatoes, grated cheddar cheese, and finely chopped onions (if desired) in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

For sweet pierogies, combine fruit preserves of your choice with ground cinnamon.

Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.

Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles from the dough. The size of the circles will determine the size of your pierogies.

Place a small spoonful of the desired filling (potato and cheese or sweet) in the center of each dough circle

Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal the pierogi. You can use a little water to help seal the edges if needed.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Carefully add the pierogies to the boiling water, being cautious not to overcrowd the pot. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the surface. This indicates that they are cooked.

Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked pierogies from the water and transfer them to a plate.

For savory pierogies, serve them hot with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits and sautéed onions.

Sweet pierogies are delightful when dusted with powdered sugar and served warm.

Homemade pierogies are a labor of love, and they make for a delicious and satisfying meal. The joy of making them from scratch and savoring the fruits of your labor is truly a celebration of National Pierogi Day. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the process of creating these mouthwatering dumplings. Whether you opt for the classic potato and cheese filling or explore sweet variations, your homemade pierogies will be a delightful treat for this special occasion.