Latvian Mushroom Dumplings (Sēņu Pelmeni)
Delicate dumplings filled with a savory mixture of wild mushrooms and onions, often served with a dollop of sour cream or a mushroom broth. This dish highlights the importance of foraging and seasonal ingredients in Latvian cooking.
🧂 Ingredients
- 300 g All-purpose flour(for the dough)
- 1 large Egg(for the dough)
- 100 ml Water(lukewarm, for the dough)
- 1 tsp Salt(divided)
- 400 g Mixed wild mushrooms(finely chopped (e.g., porcini, chanterelles))
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 30 g Butter(for sautéing)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- for serving Sour cream
- for garnish Fresh parsley
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
For the dough: Combine flour and 0.5 tsp salt in a bowl. Make a well in the center and add the egg and lukewarm water. Mix until a firm dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
💡 Tip: The dough should be firm but pliable. - 2
For the filling: Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- 3
Add the finely chopped mushrooms to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the moisture has evaporated and the mushrooms are browned, about 10-15 minutes.
💡 Tip: Ensure mushrooms are well-drained of liquid. - 4
Season the mushroom mixture with the remaining 0.5 tsp salt and black pepper. Let cool completely.
💡 Tip: Cooling the filling prevents it from softening the dough. - 5
Roll out the dough thinly on a floured surface. Cut out small circles (about 7-8 cm diameter).
💡 Tip: Use a cookie cutter or glass for consistent circles. - 6
Place a small amount of the mushroom filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough in half to create a semi-circle, then pinch the edges firmly to seal. You can also bring the two ends together to form a crescent shape.
💡 Tip: Ensure edges are well-sealed to prevent filling from leaking. - 7
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully drop the dumplings into the boiling water, working in batches if necessary.
💡 Tip: Don't overcrowd the pot. - 8
Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the dumplings float to the surface and the dough is cooked through.
💡 Tip: Dumplings are cooked when they float. - 9
Remove dumplings with a slotted spoon. Serve immediately with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
💡 Tip: Can also be served in a clear mushroom broth.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using a mix of fresh and dried wild mushrooms can enhance the flavor.
- ✓For a richer filling, add a tablespoon of heavy cream.
- ✓Practice sealing the dumplings to ensure they don't open during cooking.
🔄 Variations
- Add finely chopped sautéed leeks to the mushroom filling.
- Serve with a mushroom gravy instead of sour cream.
- For a vegetarian version, ensure all ingredients are plant-based.