Craving the comforting flavors of traditional Polish pierogi but short on time? Look no further than these delightful Pierogi Leniwe, or "Lazy Pierogi." This ingenious shortcut dish captures the essence of the beloved dumplings without the laborious process of making the dough and filling.
Preparation Details
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings and Serving Size
- Servings: 4
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the dish
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 450
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
- Sodium: 680mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 48g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Total Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 16g
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) wide egg noodles or kluski noodles
- 1 cup (230g) farmer's cheese or cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup (115g) sour cream
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup (30g) breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup (60g) grated cheddar cheese
- Chopped fresh chives or dill for garnish
Detailed Method of Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles or kluski noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the farmer's cheese (or cottage cheese), sour cream, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Add the cooked noodles to the cheese mixture and gently toss to coat the noodles evenly.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Transfer the noodle mixture to the skillet and spread it evenly.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, undisturbed, until the bottom is crispy and golden brown.
- Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the noodle mixture.
- Using a spatula, carefully flip sections of the noodle mixture to create a layered effect, allowing the cheese to melt between the layers.
- Continue cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the noodles are heated through.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh chives or dill.
- Serve the Pierogi Leniwe hot, directly from the skillet or transferred to a serving dish.
Tips for Culinary Success
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of farmer's cheese and ricotta cheese.
- Add sautéed onions, mushrooms, or fried bacon to the cheese mixture for extra depth of flavor.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties, such as smoked Gouda or Parmesan, for a unique twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use regular egg noodles instead of wide or kluski noodles?
A: Yes, you can use regular egg noodles, but the texture may be slightly different.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the cheese mixture and cook the noodles ahead of time. Assemble and cook the dish just before serving.
Q: How do I reheat any leftovers?
A: Reheat any leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a pat of butter or a drizzle of milk to prevent drying out.
Indulge in the scrumptious flavors of these Pierogi Leniwe, a shortcut to the beloved Polish pierogi that delivers all the comforting flavors without the laborious process. Each bite is a delightful combination of tender noodles, creamy cheese, and crispy golden edges, making it a dish that's sure to become a new family favorite.