Pelmeni, Vereniki, and Pierogi are all types of dumplings that are found in either Russia (pelmeni and vareniki), or Central and Eastern Europe (pierogi). It’s believed that these little parcels of exquisite flavor are a variation of Chinese dumplings that were brought to Russia and Europe by the Mongols during their rapid westward conquests. While the Mongols eventually left, the great dishes they brought with them stayed, flourished, and evolved, and we’re glad they did! There’s often some confusion surrounding the differences between these dumplings, so we thought we’d clear up any confusion and show you how you can make your own at home!
Pelmeni
Pelmeni are meat-filled parcels that are usually boiled or fried before being served with sour cream or in a broth. Unlike vareniki and pierogi, pelmeni are often filled with raw meat that is then cooked inside the tightly fastened dumpling. This process means the dumpling fills with the juices of the meat as it cooks, making each small bite burst with flavor! Another distinction from vareniki and pierogi is the use of bird cherries which are native to Siberia. These are often dried, ground into a flour, and then mixed with the dough to give the Pelmeni its own distinct flavor!
Vareniki and Pierogi
Vareniki and pierogi are popular in the states of Central and Eastern Europe and Russia, and are, rather confusingly, actually the same thing! The name differs depending on the region, with states further east such as Russia preferring the term vareniki, while those further west, such as Poland and Slovakia, use the term pierogi. Unlike pelmeni, they are usually stuffed with a vegetarian filling of potato, cabbage, cheese, or mushrooms. They’re also commonly fried in butter, making them a very filling and hearty meal!
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FAQs
Pelmeni are meat-filled parcels that are usually boiled or fried before being served with sour cream or in a broth. Unlike vareniki and pierogi, pelmeni are often filled with raw meat that is then cooked inside the tightly fastened dumpling.
What is the difference between pelmeni and vareniki pierogi? ›
Pelmeni are never served with a sweet filling, which distinguishes them from vareniki and Polish pierogi, which sometimes are. Also, the fillings in pelmeni are usually raw, while the fillings of vareniki and pierogi are typically precooked.
Are vareniki Russian or Ukrainian? ›
Like salo and borscht, vareniki are considered part of traditional Ukrainian cuisine. But there is at least one other country where these dumplings are as popular — Poland.
What is the Ukrainian version of pelmeni? ›
Varenyky is the more commonly used term in Ukraine, often eaten with sweet fillings, while pierogi are the national dish of Poland. Different to pelmeni as they are usually vegetarian, varenyky and pierogi can be served fried in butter, usually as an appetiser or a dessert.
What came first, pierogi or varenyky? ›
However, the dish itself dates back to at least 1682, when Poland's first cookbook, Compendium ferculorum, albo Zebranie potraw, was published. The widely used English name pierogi was derived from Polish. In East Europe and parts of Canada they are known as varenyky, or, in some dialects, pyrohy.
What is the difference between perogies and pierogies? ›
Also called perogi or perogy, Polish pierogi (pronounced pih-ROH-ghee) or homemade pierogies are small half-moon dumplings. They're also chock-full of fabulous fillings. Interestingly, the word pierogi is actually plural. But the singular form pieróg is hardly ever used.
Why is pelmeni so popular? ›
Dumplings were very popular in Siberia and later in the 14th century were discovered by the Russian explorers. Frozen meat dumplings are ideal for the cold climate. They can be perfectly preserved through the winter without losing their characteristics, and meat, hidden in the dough, does not attract wild animals.
Are pierogi Polish or Ukrainian? ›
Pierogi are an important part of Polish culture and cuisine today. They are served in a variety of forms and tastes (ranging from sweet to salty to spicy) and are considered to be the national dish.
How can you tell Russian from Ukrainian? ›
They both use the Cyrillic alphabet, but slightly different versions. There are four letters in Ukrainian missing from Russian (ґ, є, і, ї), and four letters in Russian missing from Ukrainian (ё, ъ, ы, э).
Is pelmeni considered the national dish of Russia? ›
Pelmeni or pelemeni are dumplings from the former Soviet Union. Today they are considered the national dish of Russia and are eaten among a lot of Slavic countries. Traditionally they are filled with meat, I took a mix of beef and pork.
The Ukrainian Cossack has come to symbolize Ukraine's ethnic image, much like the medieval knight of Western Europe or the Samurai of Japan. In fact, only a minority of Ukrainians belonged to this famed social group – but their influence on history, culture, and the psychology of the country was deeply profound.
What is Kozak in Ukrainian? ›
The name Cossack (Ukrainian: козак; kozak) is derived from the Turkic kazak (free man), meaning anyone who could not find his appropriate place in society and went into the steppes, where he acknowledged no authority.
What is the Russian equivalent of pierogi? ›
Pelmeni, Vereniki, and Pierogi are all types of dumplings that are found in either Russia (pelmeni and vareniki), or Central and Eastern Europe (pierogi).
What is the Ukrainian name for pierogies? ›
Meanwhile, in the Western part of Ukraine, the dumplings are more often called “pirohy”, like those of their Polish neighbro. Ukrainians don't have an “g” sound in their language. I use the two words "pierogi" and "varenyky" interchangeably in this post, and I also use the spelling Lydia gave me - "varynyky".
Are pierogies Polish or Lithuanian? ›
Pierogi ruskie, yeast pastry filled with cheese or jam, are well-known, as are Lithuanian pierogi, which are filled with sauerkraut. All of these are now part of Polish cuisine.
What is the most popular pierogi in Poland? ›
Ruskie pierogi are probably the most popular kind of pierogi in North America and Poland. The other popular pierogi in Poland are filled with ground meat, mushrooms and cabbage, or for dessert an assortment of fruits (berries, with strawberries or blueberries the most common).
What do Ukrainians call perogies? ›
Ukrainian perogies, known as varenyky, can be stuffed with sweet or savoury fillings.
What is the difference between pelmeni and Khinkali? ›
Locals dip them in tkemali, a sauce made from the area's sour plums, and eat them by hand. Along with the sauce, the main difference between khinkali and Russia's pelmeni is the added broth.
What does pelmeni mean in Russian? ›
-nʸē : Russian meat dumplings that are often served in broth.
