Pirozhki facts for kids
Baked piroshki stuffed with meat, mushroom, rice and onions
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| Alternative names | Piroshki, pyrizhky |
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| Course | Appetizer, main, dessert |
| Place of origin | Russia |
| Serving temperature | Warm or hot |
| Main ingredients | Yeast dough, various fillings |
| Variations | Multiple |
Pirozhki are tasty baked or fried buns. They are very popular in Russia and Ukraine. These small, boat-shaped treats are made from a soft dough. They can have many different yummy fillings inside. Pirozhki are often enjoyed as a quick snack or a comforting meal. They are a common street food in Eastern Europe.
What are Pirozhki?
The word "Pirozhki" means "small pies" in Russian. It comes from the word pirog, which is a larger, full-sized pie. So, Pirozhki are like mini versions of a big pie. It's important not to confuse Pirozhki with Polish pierogi. Pierogi are a type of dumpling, while Pirozhki are small baked or fried buns.
Delicious Pirozhki Varieties
Pirozhki come in many shapes and sizes. They are usually shaped like a boat or sometimes a crescent moon. The filling is completely hidden inside the dough. Other similar Russian pastries include coulibiac and vatrushka.
How Pirozhki are Cooked
Pirozhki can be either fried until golden or baked in an oven. Baked ones are often brushed with egg. This gives them a shiny, golden color. Sometimes, they are even decorated with strips of dough on top.
Sweet and Savory Fillings
You can find Pirozhki with both sweet and savory fillings.
- Savory fillings often include ground meat, mashed potato, mushrooms, or cabbage. Some also have boiled eggs with scallions.
- Sweet fillings are made with fruits like apple, cherry, or apricot. You might also find them filled with jam or a soft cheese called quark.
Pirozhki are usually about the size of your hand. Smaller versions are sometimes served with soups.
Pirozhki Around the World
Pirozhki are enjoyed in many countries. Different regions have their own special ways of making them.
Pirozhki in the Americas
When people from Russia and Ukraine moved to the Americas, they brought their Pirozhki recipes. In the United States, Canada, and Argentina, you can find similar foods. These include bierock, pirok, or runza. These tasty pastries are now part of local cooking in these areas.
Pirozhki in the Balkans
In Greece, Pirozhki are called piroski. They are a popular fast food in many cities. Greek piroski are usually fried and have many different fillings. In Serbia, they have cylindrical pastries called piroška. These are often filled with spiced meat or cottage cheese.
Pirozhki in the Baltics
In Latvia, they make crescent-shaped buns called speķrauši. These are traditionally filled with smoked fatback and onion. Other fillings are also used. These buns were often eaten by farmers working in the fields.
Estonians also have a similar tradition. Their pirukad are small pastries. They are often made with puff pastry. They can have savory fillings like meat, cabbage, or rice. Sweet pirukad are also popular, with fillings like apple, berries, or jam.
Pirozhki in South Caucasus
The Russian style of Pirozhki is a common fast food in Armenia and Azerbaijan. In Armenia, they often have potato or seasoned meat inside. In Azerbaijan, they are usually made with jam, mashed potatoes, or ground beef.
Pirozhki in Central Asia
Pirozhki are very common as fast food in Central Asian countries. This includes Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Kyrgyzstan. They were brought there by Russians. Many families make them at home.
Pirozhki in Finland
The Finnish version is called lihapiirakka. This is a popular street food. It is made with donut dough and filled with minced meat and rice.
Pirozhki in Iran
The Iranian version is called pirashki. It is often eaten as a dessert or a street food. It is commonly filled with pastry cream. But you can also find potato and meat fillings.
Pirozhki in Japan
In Japan, Pirozhki are called piroshiki. They are usually fried. Common fillings include ground meat, boiled egg, and spring onion. They are often coated with panko before frying. Another popular type is filled with Japanese curry. This is similar to karē-pan, which was inspired by Pirozhki.
Pirozhki in Mongolia
Pirozhki are also very common as fast food in Mongolia. Families throughout the country make them at home.
See also
In Spanish: Pirozhki para niños
