If you’re craving a comforting, hearty dish that’s both vegan and absolutely delicious, look no further than these homemade vegan pierogi. Pierogi are traditional Eastern European dumplings, typically filled with potatoes, cheese, or meat.
But in this vegan version, we swap out animal products for wholesome plant-based ingredients, creating a dish that’s just as satisfying and flavorful. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just curious about plant-based cooking, this recipe is perfect for anyone wanting to enjoy a classic comfort food without compromise.
These vegan pierogi boast a tender, chewy dough enveloping a savory filling made from mashed potatoes and caramelized onions, with a hint of nutritional yeast for that cheesy, umami punch. They’re perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prep.
Best of all, this recipe is straightforward and approachable, so you can enjoy the process as much as the final product. Plus, they pair wonderfully with vegan sour cream or sautéed veggies for a full, satisfying meal.
Let’s dive into making this delightful vegan pierogi recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan pierogi recipe brings the best of traditional comfort food while being 100% plant-based, making it suitable for vegans and vegetarians alike. The dough is soft yet sturdy enough to hold the filling without breaking, and the filling itself is creamy, flavorful, and beautifully balanced.
With simple, accessible ingredients, you won’t need any specialty vegan products to get started.
Moreover, pierogi are incredibly versatile—you can customize the filling according to your taste or dietary needs. They freeze well, making them an excellent make-ahead meal or snack.
Whether boiled, pan-fried, or baked, these vegan pierogi satisfy that craving for something warm, savory, and homemade.
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or olive oil)
- For the Filling:
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 teaspoon garlic powder or fresh minced garlic
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Large pot for boiling
- Frying pan/skillet
- Slotted spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Dumpling cutter or glass (about 3 inches in diameter)
- Potato masher or fork
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Place the diced potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
- Cook the Onions: While the potatoes cook, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown and caramelized, about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.
- Mash the Potatoes: In a large bowl, mash the cooked potatoes until smooth. Add the caramelized onions, nutritional yeast, salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using. Mix thoroughly and set aside to cool.
- Make the Dough: In another large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add warm water and oil, mixing with a spoon or your hands until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Rest the Dough: Cover the dough with a clean cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the dough relax and makes it easier to roll out.
- Roll the Dough: After resting, roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cutter or glass to cut out circles approximately 3 inches wide.
- Fill the Pierogi: Place about a teaspoon of filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges firmly to seal. Pinch the edges or use a fork to crimp for a decorative seal.
- Cook the Pierogi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pierogi in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Cook until they float to the surface, then continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon.
- Optional Pan-Fry: For a crispy exterior, heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add boiled pierogi and fry until golden and crisp on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Serve: Serve hot with vegan sour cream, sautéed onions, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips & Variations
For best results, make sure your dough is not too sticky. If it sticks to your hands or rolling pin, sprinkle more flour as needed.
Try different fillings! Sweet potato and kale, mushroom and onion, or even vegan cheese and spinach make wonderful alternatives.
You can also add fresh herbs like dill or chives to the filling for extra flavor.
If you want to save time, make a large batch and freeze uncooked pierogi on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and cook straight from frozen when needed—just add a minute or two to the boiling time.
For a richer dough, substitute half the water with unsweetened plant-based milk. This will make the dough softer and add a slight sweetness.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (4 pierogi) |
---|---|
Calories | 280 |
Carbohydrates | 50g |
Protein | 6g |
Fat | 5g |
Fiber | 4g |
Sodium | 380mg |
Serving Suggestions
Serve your vegan pierogi hot with a dollop of vegan sour cream or a drizzle of melted vegan butter and freshly chopped herbs. Sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or crispy fried shallots add an extra layer of flavor and texture.
For a complete meal, pair your pierogi with a fresh green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables. You can also enjoy them alongside a bowl of hearty vegan soup, such as a Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating or a rich Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes drizzled over steamed veggies.
Conclusion
Making vegan pierogi at home is a rewarding culinary experience. The process may be a labor of love, but the delicious, comforting results are well worth it.
These dumplings provide a perfect balance of soft dough and savory filling, suitable for all skill levels in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, vegan pierogi bring warmth and tradition to your table with a fresh, plant-based twist.
With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can enjoy a beloved Eastern European classic without any animal products. Don’t forget to experiment with fillings and serving styles to keep this dish exciting every time you make it.
For more inspiring vegan recipes that celebrate wholesome ingredients and vibrant flavors, check out our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or try your hand at baking with our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.
Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Pierogi Recipe
Description: Delicious homemade vegan pierogi filled with sautéed potatoes and mushrooms. Perfectly tender dough wrapped around a savory plant-based filling.
Prep Time: PT30M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT50M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional)
- Vegan sour cream for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Boil potatoes until tender, then mash and set aside.
- Sauté onions and mushrooms in vegan butter until soft.
- Mix sautéed vegetables with mashed potatoes, salt, pepper, and nutritional yeast.
- In a bowl, combine flour, salt, warm water, and olive oil to form a dough.
- Roll out dough and cut into circles about 3 inches in diameter.
- Place a spoonful of filling in each circle and fold dough over, sealing edges.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pierogi in boiling water until they float, about 3-4 minutes.
- Optionally, pan-fry boiled pierogi in vegan butter until golden.
- Serve warm with vegan sour cream.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 | Protein: 7g | Fat: 8g | Carbs: 54g
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