Pirozhki are versatile Russian pastries filled with savory or sweet ingredients like meat, potatoes, mushrooms, or jam, then baked or fried to golden perfection. Originating in Russia, they've been a beloved staple for centuries, often enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or meal. The recipe's history reflects a fusion of culinary influences, evolving to accommodate diverse tastes and regional variations across Eastern Europe and beyond.

Ingredients:

- 2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1/2 cup warm milk

- 1/4 cup melted butter

- 1 egg

- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast

- 1 teaspoon sugar

- Salt to taste

- Filling of your choice (e.g., ground meat, mashed potatoes, mushrooms, jam)

Method:

 - Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm milk, let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.

  - In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and beaten egg. Mix until dough forms.

  - Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

  - Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

  - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) or heat oil for frying in a deep pan.

  - Punch down the dough and divide it into small balls. Roll each ball into a circle.

  - Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges to seal.

  - For baked pirozhki: Place on a greased baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

  - For fried pirozhki: Heat oil in a pan and fry the pirozhki until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.

  - Serve hot and enjoy your delicious pirozhki!

Nutrition Value:

All-purpose flour (2 cups):

  - Calories: Approximately 455 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 95 grams

  - Protein: Approximately 13 grams

  - Fat: Approximately 1 gram

  - Sodium: Approximately 2 milligrams

  - Cholesterol: 0 milligrams

  - Vitamins and minerals: Contains small amounts of iron and B vitamins.

benefits: Provides energy from carbohydrates and some protein for muscle repair and maintenance.

Warm milk (1/2 cup):

  - Calories: Approximately 61 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 5 grams

  - Protein: Approximately 3 grams

  - Fat: Approximately 3 grams

  - Sodium: Approximately 52 milligrams

  - Cholesterol: Approximately 12 milligrams

  - Vitamins and minerals: Good source of calcium and vitamin D.

benefits: Provides protein, calcium, and vitamin D for bone health and muscle function.

Melted butter (1/4 cup):

  - Calories: Approximately 407 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 0 grams

  - Protein: Approximately 0.5 grams

  - Fat: Approximately 46 grams

  - Sodium: Approximately 368 milligrams

  - Cholesterol: Approximately 122 milligrams

  - Vitamins and minerals: Contains vitamin A and small amounts of vitamin E and K.

benefits: Provides energy from healthy fats and small amounts of fat-soluble vitamins.

Egg (1 medium):

  - Calories: Approximately 70 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 0.6 grams

  - Protein: Approximately 6 grams

  - Fat: Approximately 5 grams

  - Sodium: Approximately 70 milligrams

  - Cholesterol: Approximately 186 milligrams

  - Vitamins and minerals: Excellent source of protein, vitamin B12, and choline.

benefits: Provides high-quality protein and essential nutrients for overall health.

Active dry yeast (1 teaspoon):

  - Calories: Approximately 7 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 1.3 grams

  - Protein: Approximately 0.9 grams

  - Fat: Approximately 0.1 grams

  - Sodium: Approximately 1 milligram

  - Cholesterol: 0 milligrams

  - Vitamins and minerals: Contains small amounts of B vitamins and minerals.

benefits: Provides leavening action in baking, contributing to the texture and rise of the dough.

Sugar (1 teaspoon):

  - Calories: Approximately 16 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 4 grams

  - Protein: 0 grams

  - Fat: 0 grams

  - Sodium: 0 milligrams

  - Cholesterol: 0 milligrams

  - Vitamins and minerals: No significant vitamins or minerals.

benefits: Adds sweetness and helps activate yeast in the dough.

Salt (to taste):

benefits: Provides flavor enhancement. Consumed in moderation, it helps maintain fluid balance and nerve function.

Filling of your choice (e.g., ground meat, mashed potatoes, mushrooms, jam):

  - Nutritional content varies depending on the filling chosen.

  - Ground meat provides protein and iron.

  - Mashed potatoes offer carbohydrates and potassium.

  - Mushrooms provide fiber and various vitamins and minerals.

  - Jam contributes natural sugars and some vitamins.

benefits: Adds flavor, texture, and variety to the pirozhki, enhancing their overall nutritional profile.