Shapushniki (Belarusian Potato Dumplings)
Shapushniki are hearty and comforting Belarusian dumplings made primarily from grated potatoes, often served as a side dish or a light meal, typically accompanied by sour cream or fried onions and bacon.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Potatoes(grated, excess moisture squeezed out)
- 0.75 cup All-purpose flour(plus more for dusting)
- 1 large Egg
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 2 tbsp Butter(melted, for serving)
- Sour cream(for serving)
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped, for topping (optional))
- 100 g Bacon(diced, for topping (optional))
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Peel and grate the potatoes using a fine grater. Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible.
💡 Tip: Removing moisture is crucial for the dumplings to hold their shape. - 2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the squeezed grated potatoes, flour, egg, and salt. Mix well until a cohesive dough forms.
💡 Tip: The dough should be firm enough to handle but not too dry. - 3
Lightly flour your hands to prevent sticking. Take small portions of the dough, roll them into balls, and then flatten them slightly to form dumplings.
💡 Tip: Aim for dumplings about 1.5-2 inches in diameter. - 4
Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil.
💡 Tip: Ensure the water is not boiling too vigorously, which can break the dumplings. - 5
Carefully drop the dumplings into the boiling water. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
💡 Tip: Do not overcrowd the pot; cook in batches if necessary. - 6
Use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked dumplings from the water and drain any excess moisture.
💡 Tip: A colander can also be used for draining. - 7
If using optional toppings, sauté the chopped onion and diced bacon in a separate pan until the bacon is crispy and the onion is softened. Drain off excess fat.
💡 Tip: This step adds a savory depth to the dish. - 8
Serve the shapushniki hot, drizzled with melted butter and a dollop of sour cream. Top with sautéed onions and bacon, if desired.
💡 Tip: Serve immediately for the best texture.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The type of potato used can affect the texture; starchy potatoes work best.
- ✓If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to make it tough.
- ✓Shapushniki can also be pan-fried after boiling for a crispier exterior.
🔄 Variations
- Add finely chopped dill or parsley to the dumpling dough for added flavor.
- Serve with a mushroom sauce for a vegetarian option.
- Incorporate a small amount of cooked mashed potato into the dough for a softer texture.