Pelmeni and Vareniki Dumplings

All around the world there are many different interpretations of the same style dish. Chinese Dim Sum, Italian Ravioli, Tibetan Momos, and Polish Pierogies are just a few examples of the stuffed dough balls.

 

Eastern Europeans have different interpretations for their ‘fillings pockets’ such as pelmeni, manti, and vareniki. At Crepes, we serve pelmeni with either chicken or beef fillings, and vareniki with many other delicious savory and sweet fillings! Pelmeni and Vareniki might be the same thing to most people. However, there are differences and some similarities between the two ‘dumplings’. 

 

Shape: 

To state the obvious, pelmeni have a more round spherical shape. Meanwhile, vareniki have half moon shape. 

 

Fillings: 

The fillings are also very different from the pelmeni and vareniki. Pelmeni typically only has meat, such as beef and fish. Vareniki, on the other hand, have cabbage, mashed potatoes, fish, cherries, and so much more. Also, both dumplings are eaten with sour cream giving the flavor and texture a boost!

 

Dough: 

The dough is very similar between the dumplings generally. It includes, flour, eggs, water, and some salt.

 

Cooking Process:

The cooking process is the same for both dumplings. They have to be boiled for around 5 minutes. However, after the boiling point they can be seared in a pan to add crispness to the dough.

 

History of the Dumplings: 

Vareniki are originally from Ukraine and it is said that it is their national food! Russians over the years took the idea of the dumpling and created their own versions by filling the dough with savory foods like potatoes, unlike Ukrainians who strictly believed vareniki to be sweet desert.

 

Dumplings on the other hand were originally created in prehistoric China. It is said that the Mongols have brought the wanton inspired idea to Siberia and the Urals. What started as a wanton spread to the delicious Russian Dumplings that we enjoy.

 

Available Options at Crepes Tea House:

 

Pelmeni

• Chicken
• Beef

Vareniki 

      Savory Options

• Farm Cheese (Salty)
• Mashed Potato
• Cabbage
• Cabbage & Bacon
• Salmon & Mashed Potatoes

      Sweet Options

• Cherries
• Farm Cheese