Pirogi

Ingredients

1 pint sour cream, plus 1/2 cup for garnish
5 cups flour
2 tablespoons melted butter
2 whole egg yolks
1 egg yolk
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 pound ground beef
Essence
1/2 pound soft Farmers cheese
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons minced shallots
1/2 cup green onions
1 whole egg
Salt and black pepper
3 tablespoons solid unsalted butter
Garnish: 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, flour, butter, 2 whole eggs, egg yolk, 2 teaspoons salt and olive oil. Knead the dough into a soft dough. Divide the dough in half and cover for 10 minutes. On a floured surface, roll each half of the dough into a thin circle 1/4-inch thick. Cut the dough, using a 3-inch circle cutter. For the filling: In a saute pan, render the ground beef for 3 to 4 minutes. Season with Essence. Remove from the pan and drain on a paper-lined plate. In a mixing bowl, combine the cheese, ground beef, shallots, garlic, green onion and egg together.

Mix until thoroughly incorporated. Season with salt and pepper. Place 1 tablespoon of the filling in the center of each circle and fold over. Press and seal into half-moon shapes. Use a little water to seal the pastries. In a pot of boiling, salted water, cook the pirogi for 8 to 10 minutes or until they float. Remove from the water and drain. In a saute pan, melt some of the butter. Sear the pirogi for 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown. Remove from the pan. These pastries will need to be sauteed in batches. Serve garnished with sour cream and parsley.

Yield: 10 servings