Discover the traditional Lithuanian dish, Cepelinai (Zeppelins), with this easy-to-follow recipe. These large, potato-based dumplings are filled with savory meat or cheese and served with a rich, creamy mushroom or meat sauce. Perfect for a hearty meal, this recipe combines authentic flavors and textures for a truly satisfying experience. Ideal for family dinners or special occasions, learn how to make Cepelinai from scratch and impress your guests with this classic Lithuanian comfort food.

Ingredients:

For the Dumplings:

- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and grated

- 1 large egg

- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

- Salt, to taste

- 1 cup meat or cheese filling (see below for options)

For the Meat Filling:

- 1 cup ground pork or beef

- 1 small onion, finely chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

- Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Cheese Filling:

- 1 cup shredded cheese (e.g., cheddar or Swiss)

- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (e.g., dill or parsley)

For the Creamy Mushroom Sauce:

- 2 tablespoons butter

- 1 cup sliced mushrooms

- 1 small onion, finely chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 cup heavy cream

- Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Filling:

Meat Filling: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sauté until softened. Add ground pork or beef, cook until browned. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside to cool.

Cheese Filling: Mix shredded cheese with chopped herbs. Set aside.

Prepare the Potato Dough:

  - Grate the peeled potatoes and squeeze out excess moisture using a cheesecloth or clean towel.

  - Combine grated potatoes with egg, flour, and a pinch of salt. Mix until well combined.

Form the Dumplings:

  - Take a portion of the potato dough and flatten it in your hand. Place a tablespoon of the meat or cheese filling in the center. Fold the dough around the filling, sealing the edges to form a large oval dumpling. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.

Cook the Dumplings:

  - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully drop the dumplings into the boiling water. Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the dumplings float and are cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain.

Prepare the Creamy Mushroom Sauce:

  - In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until translucent. Add mushrooms, cook until tender. Stir in heavy cream and simmer until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper.

Serve:

  - Place the cooked Cepelinai on a serving platter. Spoon the creamy mushroom sauce over the dumplings. Serve hot and enjoy!

Feel free to adjust the seasonings and ingredients to your taste. Bon appétit!

Nutritional Values

Potatoes

 - Calories: 77

 - Carbohydrates: 17.6 g

 - Protein: 2.0 g

 - Fat: 0.1 g

 - Fiber: 2.2 g

Benefits: Potatoes are rich in vitamins C and B6, potassium, and antioxidants. They support heart health, digestive health, and help with energy production.

Eggs

 - Calories: 72

 - Carbohydrates: 0.6 g

 - Protein: 6.3 g

 - Fat: 4.8 g

 - Fiber: 0 g

Benefits: Eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein, essential amino acids, vitamins A, B12, and D, and minerals like selenium and choline. They support muscle health, brain function, and eye health.

All-Purpose Flour

 - Calories: 364

 - Carbohydrates: 76.3 g

 - Protein: 10.3 g

 - Fat: 1.0 g

 - Fiber: 2.7 g

Benefits: Flour provides energy through carbohydrates and contains small amounts of protein. Whole wheat flour offers additional fiber and nutrients compared to refined flour.

Ground Pork or Beef

 - Calories: 291

 - Carbohydrates: 0 g

 - Protein: 25.7 g

 - Fat: 20.1 g

Nutritional Values (per 100 grams of ground beef):

 - Calories: 250

 - Carbohydrates: 0 g

 - Protein: 26.1 g

 - Fat: 17.0 g

Benefits: Both ground pork and beef are good sources of high-quality protein, B vitamins (especially B12), and essential minerals like iron and zinc. They support muscle growth, energy levels, and overall health.

Shredded Cheese

 - Calories: 402

 - Carbohydrates: 1.3 g

 - Protein: 25.0 g

 - Fat: 33.0 g

Benefits: Cheese is high in calcium, protein, and vitamin B12. It supports bone health, muscle function, and overall metabolic health.

Heavy Cream

 - Calories: 345

 - Carbohydrates: 2.8 g

 - Protein: 2.1 g

 - Fat: 37.0 g

Benefits: Heavy cream is rich in fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. It provides energy and supports the absorption of these vitamins.

Mushrooms

 - Calories: 22

 - Carbohydrates: 3.3 g

 - Protein: 3.1 g

 - Fat: 0.3 g

Benefits: Mushrooms are low in calories and rich in vitamins B2, B5, and D, as well as minerals like selenium and potassium. They support immune function, bone health, and have antioxidant properties.

Onions

 - Calories: 40

 - Carbohydrates: 9.3 g

 - Protein: 1.1 g

 - Fat: 0.1 g

Benefits: Onions are rich in vitamins C and B6, and antioxidants like quercetin. They support immune health, cardiovascular health, and have anti-inflammatory properties.

Garlic

 - Calories: 149

 - Carbohydrates: 33.1 g

 - Protein: 6.4 g

 - Fat: 0.5 g

Benefits: Garlic has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It supports heart health, immune function, and has potential cancer-fighting properties.

Vegetable Oil

 - Calories: 884

 - Carbohydrates: 0 g

 - Protein: 0 g

 - Fat: 100 g

Benefits: Vegetable oil provides essential fatty acids and vitamin E. It supports heart health and provides energy. Opt for oils with higher monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fats for better health benefits.

These ingredients combine to create a flavorful and nutritious dish that offers a range of vitamins, minerals, and health benefits.