St. Petersburg Cherry Piroshki
Background of St. Petersburg Cherry Piroshki
St. Petersburg Cherry Piroshki is a cherished dessert hailing from the historic city of St. Petersburg, Russia. Known for its rich cultural heritage, the city has a strong culinary tradition that blends native Russian flavors with European influences. Piroshki, a beloved aspect of Russian cuisine, are stuffed buns typically filled with a variety of ingredients ranging from savory to sweet. The cherry version is especially popular during the cherry harvest season, when fruit is ripe and abundant. This sweet variant is perfect for dessert or a cherished afternoon tea treat.
Ingredients for St. Petersburg Cherry Piroshki
- Flour - 4 cups
- Sugar - 1/3 cup
- Salt - 1 teaspoon
- Yeast - 1 packet (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
- Milk - 1 cup
- Butter - 1/4 cup, melted
- Egg - 1 large
- Vanilla Extract - 1 teaspoon
- Cherries - 2 cups, pitted and chopped
- Sugar (for filling) - 1/4 cup
- Cornstarch - 2 tablespoons
Preparation of St. Petersburg Cherry Piroshki
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
To begin, warm the milk slightly so it is lukewarm to the touch. Dissolve the yeast in the milk and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes or until it becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Pour in the frothy yeast mixture, melted butter, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms.
Step 2: Kneading and Proofing the Dough
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until it doubles in size. Use our cooking timer for precise timing.
Cooking Instructions
Step 3: Preparing the Cherry Filling
While the dough is proofing, prepare the cherry filling. In a saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy (about 10 minutes). Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool completely.
Step 4: Shaping and Filling the Piroshki
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten it into a circle about 5 inches in diameter. Place about 1-2 tablespoons of the cherry filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling, pinching the edges to seal and shape into a bun.
Step 5: Final Proofing
Place the filled piroshki seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow them to proof for another 30 minutes.
Step 6: Baking the Piroshki
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the piroshki in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Again, you can use a cooking timer to track the baking duration.
How to Enjoy St. Petersburg Cherry Piroshki
Allow the baked piroshki to cool slightly on a wire rack. These delightful buns can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. They pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. For an authentic Russian experience, you may serve them with sour cream or a sugar dusting.
Conclusion
With their soft, fluffy dough and delectably sweet cherry filling, St. Petersburg Cherry Piroshki are sure to become a favorite in your household. Their delightful flavor evokes the warmth and richness of Russian culinary tradition. Perfect for a dessert or snack, these piroshki bring a touch of St. Petersburg's cultural legacy to your kitchen.