Sauerkraut pierogii

Authentic Ukrainian Sauerkraut pierogii — a delicious vegetarian dish with 12 ingredients. Follow our detailed step-by-step instructions for the perfect result.

Expert
Updated March 14, 2026

20

Prep Time (min)

1

Cook Time (min)

4

servings

330

Calories/serving

Expert

Difficulty

Sauerkraut pierogii

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 1 tablespoon Sunflower Oil
  • 2 chopped Shallots
  • 150 g Sauerkraut
  • 150 g Hispi (sweetheart) Cabbage
  • 1 beaten Egg
  • 1 tbs Vegetable Oil
  • 350 g Plain Flour
  • For frying Vegetable Oil
  • 2 sliced Shallots
  • Dusting Plain Flour
  • 45 g Butter
  • 60 ml Sour Cream

Instructions

9 steps · ~73 minutes total

  1. Step 1

    First, make the crispy shallots. Heat the oil in a saucepan to 180C (a cube of bread will turn golden in 15 secs). Toss the shallots in a little flour and deep-fry for 1 min or until light golden and crispy. Drain on kitchen paper. Can be made up to two days before and kept in an airtight container.

    8 minutes
    Test the oil temperature with a small piece of food — it should sizzle immediately.
  2. Step 2

    To make the filling, heat the oil in a medium non-stick frying pan and gently fry the shallots for 10 mins until starting to turn golden.

    8 minutes
    Test the oil temperature with a small piece of food — it should sizzle immediately.
  3. Step 3

    Add the sauerkraut and cabbage, and cook for 5-10 mins until the cabbage has softened. Taste and add a little salt if under-seasoned, or sugar if stringent. Scrape into a bowl and leave to cool completely.

    10 minutes
    Taste as you go and adjust seasoning gradually — you can always add more but can't take it away.
  4. Step 4

    To make the dough, mix the eggs and oil with 125ml water, then gradually add in the flour, mixing well with your hands. Knead it on a well-floured surface until the dough stops sticking to your hands. You should end up with firm, elastic dough. Wrap it in cling film and rest in the fridge for at least 30 mins, or overnight.

    10 minutes
    The dough is ready when it springs back slightly when poked.
  5. Step 5

    Flour your work surface generously. Roll out the dough to a 40cm circle or until the dough is as thick as £1 coin.

    5 minutes
    The dough is ready when it springs back slightly when poked.
  6. Step 6

    Using a 9cm cookie cutter, cut out discs in the dough – you should end up with about 25 discs. Do not throw away the off-cuts – we throw them in with the pierogi when boiling to minimise any waste.

    10 minutes
    Keep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.
  7. Step 7

    Have a well-floured tray ready. Put 1 tsp of the filling into the centre of each disc. In your hand, fold in half around the filling and seal to create half-moon shapes. Put them on the floured tray, making sure they don’t touch each other.

    10 minutes
  8. Step 8

    Bring a large saucepan of salted water to the boil and carefully lower the pierogi in. Boil them for 2 mins or until they float to the top.

    10 minutes
    Use a large pot to prevent boiling over. Add salt to the water for extra flavor.
  9. Step 9

    Drain and serve with a knob of butter and some soured cream. Finish by sprinkling the crispy shallots on top to serve.

    2 minutes
    Save some of the cooking liquid — it can be used to adjust sauce consistency.

💡 Tips & Tricks

This Ukrainian recipe for Sauerkraut pierogii is best served fresh. Adjust seasoning to your taste.

🔄 Variations

• Spice level: Adjust the heat to your preference — add more chili for extra kick, or reduce it for a milder version. • Vegetarian: Replace meat with mushrooms, chickpeas, or your favorite plant-based protein. • Fusion twist: Combine elements of German cuisine with your local favorites for a creative fusion dish.

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 5 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 3 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.

What to Serve With

Complete your german meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Steamed rice or crusty bread
🍽️A fresh green salad
🍽️Seasonal roasted vegetables

About This Dish

Sauerkraut pierogii is a beloved dish from German cuisine, originating in Germany. With a total preparation time of about 21 minutes, it's a quick and easy option for any day of the week.

German cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors and cooking traditions that reflect the culture and history of the region. This dish is a wonderful example of its distinctive culinary heritage.

This recipe is rated expert difficulty and uses 12 ingredients. Experienced cooks will appreciate the technique involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

For authentic sauerkraut pierogii, use fermented sauerkraut that is tangy and crunchy. Look for jars labeled as 'raw' or 'unpasteurized' for the best flavor.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories330kcal
Total Fat15g
Sodium347mg
Total Carbohydrates36g
Dietary Fiber3g
Protein40g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisineGerman
CategoryVegetarian
CountryGermany