Top 13 Eastern European Dumplings

Originating from the historical region of Red Ruthenia, these soft, crescent-shaped dumplings are filled with a combination of potatoes and cheese, which is occasionally modified with various seasonings or fried onions. Pierogi ruskie are usually boiled and shortly fried until they develop a crispy texture. The dumplings are often served sprinkled with cracklings, crispy fried onions, or bacon, and can be enjoyed as a hearty appetizer or as a main course. In Ukraine, the pierogis are called varenyky, and they are so popular that there is even a monument celebrating varenyky in the city of Cherkasy. The sweet, fruit-filled version of varenyky is typically served with sugar and sour cream.Expand

These delicious Georgian dumplings known as khinkali are considered to be one of the national dishes of the country. The dumplings are filled with meat and spices, then traditionally twisted into a knot at the top. Regional differences influence the fillings and every part of Georgia has their distinctive variety. For example, in the mountainous regions, the most traditional filling is lamb, however; the most frequent variety throughout entire Georgia is a mixture of pork and beef. The vegetarian versions made with traditional Imeretian cheese or mushrooms are also quite popular. The traditional recipe was developed over time, and now includes fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley. The meat for khinkali is never precooked – therefore, all of the juices are tucked inside the dumplings. Eating khinkali is also a part of traditional Georgian folklore: the top, where the dough is twisted into a knot, should never be eaten because it serves as a handle to hold the dumpling, and it is usually left on the plate as an indication of how many dumplings have been eaten. These flavorful dumplings are served plain or paired with freshly ground black pepper.Expand

Known as koldūnai in Lithuania, kalduny in Belarus and kołduny in Poland, these stuffed dumplings boiled in salted water are a staple of regional cuisine. Traditionally filled with minced pork, beef, chicken, curd cheese, or mushrooms, they make for an excellent lunch choice and can be enjoyed with a variety of garnishes, from butter and black pepper to mayonnaise, sour cream, crispy bacon, or spirgučiais (a type of pork rind).Expand

Manti are traditional Turkish dumplings filled with spiced ground meat and onions. The dumplings are most commonly topped with a sauce consisting of yogurt and garlic. The name of the dish is derived from mantu, meaning dumplings, and they were originally brought over from Central Asia to Türkiye by nomadic Turkish tribes in the 13th century. Today, manti dumplings are popular throughout Turkey, as well as in numerous other cuisines such as Armenian, Afghan, and Central Asian.Expand

Pelmeni is one of Russia's national dishes, a small dumpling with a delicately thin dough, filled with anything from ground meat or fish to mushrooms. The fillings can be mild or very spicy, depending on the amount of seasonings such as various fresh herbs, black pepper, and onions. Pelmeni dumplings are served in almost every Russian restaurant, as well as in numerous Russian homes where each family has their own recipe for the dish.Expand

Buuz is a traditional and Buryatian steamed dumpling filled with meat such as beef or mutton. The meat is usually seasoned with salt, onions, garlic, and fresh herbs. The dumplings are prepared in large quantities and are consumed throughout the year, although buuz is the most popular during Tsagaan Sar, the Mongolian New Year festivity which usually takes place in February. Buuz is characterized by a small opening on its top, and it is often eaten by hand. Traditionally, the dumplings are served with fried bread, dipping sauces and salads on the side, while it is recommended to pair them with beverages such as vodka or tea.Expand

Pelmeni s gribami is a traditional dish consisting of dumplings filled with mushrooms. For the perfect filling, mushrooms should be soaked in water overnight, and then cooked and sautéed with fried onions. They can also be combined with rice or mashed potatoes. Pelmeni s gribami can be paired with broth, sour cream, yogurt, or grated cheese.Expand

Kurze are traditional Russian dumplings originating from the region of Dagestan. The dumplings are made in the shape of braids and they're usually filled with cottage cheese, potatoes, meat, and eggs. The dough is made with a combination of flour, salt, eggs, and water. Once stuffed, these dumplings are either boiled or boiled and then fried in oil on both sides until golden brown and crispy. If desired, kurze can be served with butter or sour cream, or a dipping sauce consisting of vinegar and garlic. Expand

Avar khinkal is a traditional dish from the Avar people of Dagestan, in the North Caucasus region of Russia, with the main element being the dough, made from simple ingredients like flour, water, and salt, and shaped into small, flat squares or diamond-shaped pieces. These dough pieces are then boiled until they are soft and slightly chewy, creating the foundation of the meal. The dish is usually served with boiled meat, typically lamb or beef, which is cooked separately and often presented with some of the flavorful broth. The meat and broth are secondary to the dough, which is the true star of the dish. Accompanying the khinkal are various sauces and condiments, such as garlic sauce made from garlic, vinegar, and broth, as well as tomato sauce and sour cream. Chili peppers, fresh herbs like cilantro, and raw onions are often served on the side, adding vibrant flavors to the otherwise simple components. Traditionally, Avar Khinkal is served as a communal dish, with the dough, meat, and sauces arranged separately, allowing diners to dip the dough pieces in the broth or sauce and enjoy them with bites of meat.Expand

Dushbara is a traditional dish consisting of meat-filled dumplings cooked in a flavorful lamb broth. According to local customs, every woman in the country needs to know how to make the dumplings as small as possible, so that at least ten of them can fit in a tablespoon. The dough for these tiny dumplings is made with flour, eggs, salt, and water. The broth is typically enriched with saffron, while the filling is made with ingredients such as ground lamb, onions, salt, and pepper. When the dumplings become tender, dushbara is ready to be consumed, preferably garnished with fresh mint on top.Expand