What is "pirozhki"?

Pirozhki are small, stuffed pastries that originated in Russia and Ukraine.Traditionally savory, pirozhki feature lush fillings of ground meats, potato, cabbage, fish or mushrooms folded inside yeasted or unleavened dough. The fillings often feature robust Eastern Europeanseasonings like dill, onion and caraway.Sweet versions filled with fruits like apples and cherries or jam also exist.Though commonly baked, some pirozhkipastries are pan-fried to achieve a crisp, golden-brown exterior. A hole is left at the top of the folded dough to allow steam to escape during cooking and keep the pastry light. Pirozhki are enjoyed as casual snacks or appetizers, ideal for dipping into sour cream or kefir.