गुरुवार, 8 जुलाई 2021

Pierogis

Pierogis are delightful dumplings stuffed with potatoes and cheese. These are a traditional Polish dumpling that puts a whole new meaning to comfort food!

I love comfort food because obviously it just makes everything better. Try these other comfort food favorites, Biscuits and Gravy, Rigatoni, and Meatloaf!

A plate of cooked pierogies garnished with green onions.

What is a Pierogi?

Pierogis look similar to Potstickers but are filled with a potato and cheese filling and are made from a simple egg dough. These are a dreamy creamy dumpling that is guaranteed to hit the spot. These pierogis are the ultimate comfort food. The dough is a non-yeasted dough, that is super easy to work with, it rolls out like a dream. Traditionally these potato and cheese dumplings are made with farmer’s cheese which can be hard to find. Cottage cheese and sour cream make a great substitution.

The combination of boiling and then pan-frying the pierogis provides the perfect texture. These are perfectly tender with a slightly crispy outside. The inside contains a cheesy luscious filling you are going to love. These are way better than anything you will find in the frozen section of the store. The caramelized onions and butter are absolutely divine. Top these pierogis with a bit more cheese and green onions if desired.

What You Need for Perfect Pierogis

The dough is simple to make and comes together quickly with these pantry staple ingredients. For the printable list of ingredients and measurements, follow the recipe card below.

  • All-purpose flour: This will provide the needed structure for this basic dough.
  • Salt: This is a must have as it adds the flavor.
  • Vegetable oil: You can use canola oil for a mild tasting perfect option.
  • Eggs: For the eggs to mix in completely and easily, have them at room temperature.
  • Warm water: Using warm water helps everything combine and creates a nice supple dough.

Cheese and Potato Filling Ingredients

Pierogis are filled with a savory potato and cheese filling that is warm and comforting. You won’t go wrong with these homemade pierogis! See the recipe card below for all the measurements and full information about the pierogis recipe.

  • Medium russet potatoes: Russets will have the best texture, other potatoes can be too waxy.
  • Butter unsalted: Have the butter at room temperature or softened for easy mixing.
  • Cottage cheese or sour cream: You can use one or the other or a combination of both.
  • Cheddar cheese grated: I like to use finely grated cheese that I do myself.
  • Salt: Again this adds needed flavor so do not forget it.
  • Sweet onion:  Dice the onion small, or leave in long slices.
  • Butter: More butter, because everything is better with butter.

Making the Dough

These pierogis are just what you need to create the best dinner for your family. Start with combining in the bowl the flour, salt, veggie oil and egg. Use the dough hook on low to mix until combined. Bring the speed up to medium-high and mix for 5-6 minutes, until the dough is smooth and springy. Transfer to an oiled bowl and let rest for 30 minutes.

Pierogis Dough Filling

Once the dough is created and ready to stuff with potatoes and cheese mixture these pierogis will cook up in minutes!

  1. Potatoes: Peel and chop potatoes into large pieces and add to a pot. Add enough water to cover the potatoes by an inch and bring to a boil over high heat. Boil for about 20-25 minutes until the potatoes are fork tender. Drain and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes and then mash well.
  2. Cheese Filling: Add in the butter, cottage cheese or sour cream, cheddar cheese and salt. Once smooth, set aside.

How to Make Homemade Pierogis

  1. Roll: Cut the dough into two equal pieces and set one aside, keeping it covered to prevent it from drying out. Roll the other piece out on a floured surface until it is ⅛ inch in thickness.
  2. Cut and Fill: Using a 3 inch cookie cutter cut circles in the dough as close as possible to maximize the amount of usable dough. Add about ½ tablespoon of the potato mixture to the center of the rounds and then fold over. Pinch the edges together tightly to seal the filling in. Make sure to really pinch the dough together because you don’t the filling to burst out.
  3. Fill the Rest: Set aside all the finished pierogis and then repeat the process with the remaining half of the dough.want
  4. Onions: Add the chopped onion and butter to a large skillet. Cook the onions on medium low for about 20 minutes, until the onions are nice and browned.
  5. Boil and Skillet Fry: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the pierogis in two batches and boil until they float, about 3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and add them to the skillet with the cooked onions. Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Plate and eat while hot!
Assembling the dough and forming the pierogies.

The Best Polish Pierogi Tips

Rich and cheesy the only thing these pierogis need is time to assemble, but it is super easy to do! These are the perfect dinner recipe your family will love.

  • Potatoes: Stick to russet potatoes for this recipe. Golden and red potatoes are too waxy and will create a rubbery filling instead of being smooth and creamy.
  • Mash: For the best texture of your potatoes use a ricer, food mill or even a fork to mash them. This will keep the inside light and fluffy.
  • Cheese: Finely grate your own cheddar cheese to avoid the anti-caking agents on pre-shredded cheeses. This can keep the cheese from melting and mixing with the potato mixture.
  • Cottage Cheese: In Poland they use what is called Farmer’s cheese. This can be hard to find, so we use cottage cheese with sourcream to create the perfect taste and texture. Ricotta cheese can be substituted for the cottage cheese as well.
  • Must Boil then fry: Make sure you boil the pierogi first to cook the dough thoroughly. Then you can either pan fry them or even air fry them. To air fry spray them with olive oil and place in the air fryer at 350 degrees for 1-2 minutes per side. Watch carefully.
  • Top it: Garnish with more cheese, sliced green onion, bacon and a side of sour cream if you desire.
Making the filling for potato and cheesy filled pierogies.

What to Serve with Pierogis

These are definitely a worthy main dish with its rich filling and butter onion garnish. It is a dish made to comfort the soul. Serve these with a variety of sides to make it a complete meal your family is absolutely going to love. Keeping a bit more on the Polish side serve with a cabbage and sausage or a nice cabbage roll. Yum!

Up close picture of the boiled and pan fried pierogies.

Making Ahead and Freezing Pierogis

These taste way better than anything from the frozen section from the store. Make a double batch and freeze your own for later.

  • Make-Ahead Dough: Once the dough is made, you can either use it right away or wrap it in plastic wrap and place in the fridge for up to 2 hours before using. Let it rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before using. To freeze the dough, wrap it in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overngight or on the counter till ready to use.
  • How to Freeze Pierogi: Once you assemble the pierogi you can freeze it before cooking them. Make a double batch so you can freeze some for another time. Place the pierogi on a baking sheet and place in the freezer till frozen, about 2 hours. Then transfer the pierogi to a freezer safe bag and freeze for up to 1 month. No need to thaw before cooking, you can boil them right from the freezer, just add an extra minute or two to the boil time.
Cutting into a pierogi with a fork showing the potato and cheese filling.
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Pierogis

Perogis are delightful dumplings stuffed with potatoes and cheese. These are a traditional Polish dumpling that puts a whole new meaning to comfort food!
Course Dinner
Cuisine Polish
Keyword homemade pierogis, pierogis, pierogis recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 30 Pierogis
Calories 145kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

Dough

  • 4 Cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoon Salt
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¾ cup warm water

Filling

  • 2 medium russet potatoes
  • 2 Tablespoons butter unsalted
  • ¼ cup cottage cheese or sour cream
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese grated
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 small sweet onion Small dice
  • 3 Tablespoon butter

Instructions

Dough

  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the flour, salt, veggie oil and egg. Use the dough hook on low to mix until combined. Bring the speed up to medium-high and mix for 5-6 minutes, until the dough is smooth and springy. Transfer to an oiled bowl and let rest for 30 minutes.

Filling

  • Peel and chop potatoes into large pieces and add to a pot. Add enough water to cover the potatoes by an inch and bring to a boil over high heat. Boil for about 20-25 minutes until the potatoes are fork tender. Drain and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes and then mash well.
  • Add in the butter, cottage cheese or sour cream, cheddar cheese and salt. Once smooth, set aside.

Assembly

  • Cut the dough into two equal pieces and set one aside, keeping it covered to prevent it from drying out. Roll the other piece out on a floured surface until it is ⅛ inch in thickness.
  • Using a 3 inch cookie cutter cut circles in the dough as close as possible to maximize the amount of usable dough. Add about ½ tablespoon of the potato mixture to the center of the rounds and then fold over. Pinch the edges together tightly to seal the filling in. Make sure to really pinch the dough together because you don’t the filling to burst out.
  • Set aside all the finished pierogis and then repeat the process with the remaining half of the dough.want
  • Add the chopped onion and butter to a large skillet. Cook the onions on medium low for about 20 minutes, until the onions are nice and browned.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the pierogis in two batches and boil until they float, about 3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and add them to the skillet with the cooked onions. Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Plate and eat while hot!

Nutrition

Calories: 145kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 286mg | Potassium: 101mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 117IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 1mg


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Incredible Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is the perfect side dish! It is a delicious macaroni pasta salad with ham, pineapple, shredded carrots, and green onions, and a tangy dressing.

When I see a dish with elbow noodles in it, I know it is going to be decadent comfort food! Try these amazing recipes for yourself, Macaroni and Cheese, Salad, and Goulash!

A wooden bowl with hawaiian macaroni salad in it.

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe

Isn’t it crazy to think that summer is halfway over! It is kind of a sad thought! I have been loving the sun and all of the fun activities that come with summer. Especially the BBQs and potlucks! I always love a good pasta salad when you go to a potluck. And this Hawaiian macaroni salad is truly incredible and unique! The ingredients are simple but come together so well. The ham and pineapple give this salad a Hawaiian feel and add such delicious flavor. This Hawaiian macaroni salad doesn’t need a lot added to it because the ham and pineapple are the stars of the show.

But let’s just talk about the one amazing thing that sets this Hawaiian macaroni salad apart from the others. The sweet and tangy pineapple dressing. It is so phenomenal and gives the salad such great flavor. It will set your macaroni salad apart from all of the rest and it is sure to be a huge hit! Serve this up at your next dinner and watch them all get taken to a bit of paradise! Try it today!

What You Need For Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Bursting with flavor, this is a refreshing Hawaiian macaroni salad! For all ingredient measurements, follow the recipe card below.

  • Dry elbow macaroni: prepared according to package directions and rinsed in cold water
  • Pineapple chunks: 20 ounces, drained (reserve ½ cup liquid for dressing)
  • Ham: cubed and cooked
  • Carrot: shredded, use the finest holes of a cheese grater.
  • Green onion:Sliced thinly.

Pineapple Dressing

A zesty and delicious dressing that will help add flavor and creaminess to the Hawaiian macaroni salad. You will love the combination this adds!

  • Pineapple juice reserved: If needed you can use pineapple juice from a carton or bottle too.
  • Light mayonnaise: Can use full fat if you prefer.
  • Greek yogurt: Be sure to use plain greek yogurt and it can be low or nonfat as well.
  • Apple cider vinegar: Adds a bit of tang and sharpness that pairs well with the sweet.
  • Sugar: This takes the edge off of the apple cider vinegar and gives just a touch of sweetness.
  • Salt and pepper: Add to taste

How to Make Hawaiian Salad

This Hawaiian macaroni salad is the perfect side dish for any potluck or BBQ! It is a family favorite and always a classic, MUST have pasta salad at any get together.

  1. Combine: In a large bowl, combine macaroni, pineapple chunks, ham, carrots, and green onion in a bowl. set aside.
  2. MIx: In a small bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, greek yogurt, cider vinegar, and sugar. Pour over pasta and stir to coat. Enjoy!
Ingredients for the Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Tips and Variations for Macaroni Salad

The sweet pineapple is the perfect match for the savory salty ham, your whole family is going to love this! Follow these tips and variations for making the best Hawaiian macaroni salad!

  • Noodles: Be sure to cook your noodles al dente, it keeps the noodles firm enough to hold up to the ingredients, but soft enough to love.
  • Rinse: Make sure to rinse the noodles in cold water when done cooking to stop them from cooking any longer. They will get mushy if you don’t.
  • Types of Noodles: Don’t worry if you do not have elbow macaroni, this salad can be made with a variety of noodles successfully. Try shell, rotini or even bowtie pasta. I would not, however, recommend spaghetti or long thin noodles for this salad.
  • Ham: If you are really in a hurry you can buy already cubed ham at the store. It is cheaper however to buy a small ham and chop it yourself. Then you can use the leftovers to mix in your eggs for breakfast or make ham fried rice.
  • Pineapple: I like to cut my chunks in half to make them a bit smaller and easeir to eat. If you can find tidbit pineapple, they are smaller than chunks.
  • Add ins: You can add more flavor and texture by adding in, bacon, celery, peas, or peppers.
  • Refidgerate: I like to make this at least 2 hours in advance and let the flavors meld together. This will keep in the fridge for 3 days and it will get better with time!

What to serve with Hawaiian Salad

This may not be super authentic, most hawaiian macaroni salad will not contain ham or pineapple, but this is still insanely delicious. It is a great addition to any meal. You can also serve as a main dish salad, since it has the ham in it. You can pair it with a side of watermelon, a nice rice and some rolls for a light lunch. Whatever you do, make this Hawaiian macaroni salad, you and your loved ones will be so glad you did!

Scooping a bite of the macaroni salad with a fork.
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Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is the perfect side dish! It is a delicious macaroni pasta salad with ham, pineapple, shredded carrots, and green onions, and a tangy dressing.
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword hawaiian macaroni salad, macaroni salad, macaroni salad recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 340kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

  • 1/2 pound dry elbow macaroni prepared according to package directions and rinsed in cold water
  • 1 can pineapple chunks 20 ounces, drained (reserve ½ cup liquid for dressing)
  • 2 cups ham cubed cooked
  • 1/2 cup carrot shredded
  • 1/4 cup green onion

Pineapple Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice reserved
  • 1 and 1/2 cups light mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup greek yogurt
  • 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 Tablespoon Sugar
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, combine macaroni, pineapple chunks, ham, carrots, and green onion in a bowl. set aside.
  • In a small bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, greek yogurt, cider vinegar, and sugar. Pour over pasta and stir to coat. Enjoy!

Notes

Updated on July 7, 2021
Originally Posted on July 16, 2015

Nutrition

Calories: 340kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 569mg | Potassium: 418mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 1871IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 1mg


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बुधवार, 7 जुलाई 2021

The Absolute Best White Cake

This white cake is a recipe you will come back to time and time again for a delicious and beautiful result. Fluffy, moist, and soft, this really is a cake to impress!

Time to put away that boxed cake mix. Homemade cake is a game changer! Key lime, piña colada, and butter are more melt-in-your-mouth summer cakes that you will adore!

Slice of The Absolute Best White Cake.

The Absolute Best White Cake Recipe

White Cake is easily one of my favorites. When made properly, it is so light, fluffy, and decadent without any overpowering flavors. Making White Cake at home used to be a little intimidating for me since you have to get the egg whites right for the perfect cake texture. I have learned that it really is not that difficult to put together and has the best flavor and texture! It is better than any white cake that I have gotten from a bakery.

This is one of those anytime cakes. Whether it is for a wedding, a birthday, or when you’re just craving a good cake, this white cake recipe is there for you. It only takes a few straightforward steps to make and comes out perfectly every time! It is the perfect base for beautiful cakes and cupcakes, and you are free to customize with fillings and frostings as you please! If any cake recipe is the tried and true recipe, it’s this one. Let’s get baking!

White Cake Ingredients

Everything you need for a crisp, white cake with incredible flavor. Individual measurements can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post!

  • Flour: I like to use all-purpose flour in my cakes.
  • Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Vital for making your cake light and fluffy.
  • Salt: To enhance flavor.
  • Butter: Adds flavor and moisture. I prefer using unsalted butter in cakes.
  • Sugar: Granulated, for sweetness.
  • Egg Whites: Makes your cake light and fluffy. The absence of the yolk preserves your cake’s lovely bright white color.
  • Vanilla Extract: Clear vanilla works best in this recipe to keep the color light. I will explain more about this in the tips section below.
  • Almond Extract: For flavor.
  • Whole Milk: Adds moisture and fat content.
  • Sour Cream: The secret ingredient for the creamiest cake.
  • White Vinegar: Makes your cake nice and airy without altering the flavor.

How to Make The Absolute Best White Cake

Follow these instructions for a bakery-worthy cake! This white cake is moist, soft and full of flavor in every bite. Just enough sweet for you to love!

  1. Preheat Oven and Prep Pans: Preheat the oven to 350° Fahrenheit. Spray two 8 inch round cake pans with cooking spray and dust with flour. Set aside.
  2. Sift Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Mix Butter, Sugar, and Egg Whites: In the bowl of your mixer, beat the butter until creamy. Add the sugar and beat again for about 3-5 minutes on medium-high speed until it turns white and fluffy. Add in the egg whites one at a time and mix on medium until each one is fully mixed in.
  4. Mix in Remaining Wet Ingredients: Add the extracts, milk, sour cream, and vinegar to the butter mixture and mix on medium speed until combined. Add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
  5. Pour Batter Into Pans and Bake: Separate the cake batter evenly into the two cake pans and bake for about 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean and the center of the cake springs back when lightly pressed.
The process of making white cake in the mixer.
Frosted white cake with sprinkles added.

Tips for Making The Absolute Best White Cake

Level up your cake-making abilities with just a few simple tips and tricks!

  • Don’t Overmix Egg Whites: Once your cake and egg white mixture is fluffy and holds its shape, do not continue to mix. The egg whites will get dull and fall apart.
  • Surface Color: Don’t worry about the surface of your cake turning golden brown during the cooking process. The inside will still be bright white when cut into!
  • Using Clear Vanilla: Getting clear vanilla is the best investment when making a white cake. It still adds great flavor to your cake but will keep it from turning slightly yellow. If the color of the cake isn’t that important to you, you can substitute it with your favorite vanilla extract.
  • Making Cupcakes Instead: You can easily make cupcakes with this recipe instead. Cook for 15-20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Keep Ingredients at Room Temperature: Making sure your wet ingredients are room temperature before mixing will ensure that everything blends together well and you achieve a soft, smooth batter.
  • Frosting: Because of its stark white color, Swiss Meringue frosting looks (and tastes) amazing on top of this cake. You could also use a whipped cream-based frosting to match the light, fluffy flavor that white cake has. But because this cake is like a delicious canvas for all of your cake ideas, the sky is the limit! It also tastes delicious with strawberry, chocolate, and lemon frosting.
  • Fillings: Fill the layers of your cake with frosting, fresh fruit, or lemon curd for a pop of flavor!
A slice of white cake cut and taken out of the cake.

Storing Leftover White Cake

White Cake is best stored at room temperature, covered in plastic wrap for up to 5 days.

  • In the Refrigerator: If you have used a cream cheese or whipped cream-based frosting, live in a hot and humid climate, or have fresh fruit in your cake, store it in the fridge. It will last for up to 1 week.
  • In the Freezer: White cake is best frozen without frosting. Wrap your cake tightly in plastic wrap- it will keep for up to 3 months. To thaw, keep in the fridge overnight.
Taking a bite of The Absolute Best White Cake.
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White Cake

This white cake is a recipe you will come back to time and time again for a delicious and beautiful result. Fluffy, moist, and soft, this really is a cake to impress!
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword white cake, white cake recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 12 slices
Calories 454kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

  • 2 1/3 cup all purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 ½ cups butter softened
  • 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
  • 6 large Egg whites room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract optional
  • 1 ½ cups whole milk
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 2 Tablespoon white vinegar

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°. Spray two 8 inch round cake pans with cooking spray and dust with flour. Set aside.
  • In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
  • In the bowl of your mixer, beat the butter until creamy. Add the sugar and beat again for about 3-5 minutes on medium high speed until it turns white and fluffy. Add in the egg whites one at a time and mix on medium until each one is fully mixed in.
  • Add the extracts, milk, sour cream and vinegar to the butter mixture and mix on medium speed until combined. Add the dry ingredients and mix until jut combined.
  • Separate the cake batter evenly into the two cake pans and bake for about 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean and the center of the cake springs back when lightly pressed.

Nutrition

Calories: 454kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 69mg | Sodium: 685mg | Potassium: 183mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 818IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 86mg | Iron: 1mg


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