Traditional Latvian pelmeni are small dumplings filled with juicy meat or fish, boiled or pan-fried, and always served with sour cream. A warming, multicultural dish beloved across Latvia.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup warm water
- 1 egg 🥚
- ½ tsp salt 🧂
For the filling:
- 200 g ground pork
- 100 g ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: minced garlic or fresh dill 🌿
To serve:
- Sour cream
- Butter or broth
- Chopped dill (optional)
Instructions
- Make the dough: In a bowl, mix flour and salt. Beat in the egg, then gradually add warm water. Knead into a soft, elastic dough. Cover and rest for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the filling: Combine pork, beef, onion, and seasoning. Mix well until the filling is sticky and uniform.
Form the pelmeni:
- Roll the dough thin.
- Cut into 2-inch circles.
- Place a small spoonful of filling in the center, fold over, and pinch edges to seal into a crescent shape.
Cook:
- Option 1: Boil in salted water or broth until they float (about 5–7 min).
- Option 2: Boil, then pan-fry in butter until golden.
Serve hot with a spoonful of sour cream, butter, and fresh dill 🌿.
Notes
If you’re a fan of dumplings, Latvian pelmeni are a must-try! These bite-sized delights, though originally of Russian origin, have been warmly embraced into Latvian cuisine and are now found across homes, cafés, and even street food stalls throughout the country. Whether boiled in broth or pan-fried to golden crispness, pelmeni are a comforting dish that perfectly captures Latvia’s multicultural culinary heritage. 🇱🇻
✔ Balanced flavors: thin dough + juicy filling = bite-sized heaven!
✔ Reflects Latvia’s rich blend of Slavic and Baltic influences.
✔ Pairs wonderfully with sour cream, dill, and butter.
✔ Available almost everywhere — from family kitchens to hip eateries. Latvian recipes
🥟 What Are Latvian Pelmeni?
Pelmeni (singular: pelmen) are small dumplings made from thin dough and stuffed with savory fillings. They are similar to other Eastern European dumplings like Polish pierogi or Ukrainian varenyky, but typically smaller and juicier. Popular Latvian pelmeni fillings include:- 🥩 Ground meats: Pork, beef, or lamb — the classic and most traditional option.
- 🐟 Fish: A Baltic twist using fresh local fish, like cod or herring.
- 🍄 Mushrooms: A delicious vegetarian option, perfect in mushroom-loving Latvia.
🍳 How Are Pelmeni Cooked?
There’s no one right way to prepare Latvian pelmeni — part of their charm is their versatility!- 🥣 Boiled in broth: Served like a comforting soup, ideal for cold weather.
- 🔥 Pan-fried: First boiled, then seared until crispy on the outside.
- 🧈 Baked or butter-tossed: For a soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture.
🇱🇻 Why Try Pelmeni in Latvia?
✔ A cozy, satisfying dish perfect for any season.✔ Balanced flavors: thin dough + juicy filling = bite-sized heaven!
✔ Reflects Latvia’s rich blend of Slavic and Baltic influences.
✔ Pairs wonderfully with sour cream, dill, and butter.
✔ Available almost everywhere — from family kitchens to hip eateries. Latvian recipes
