Possible Cooking Methods: Stovetop and Oven Pressure Cooker
I am a sucker for pierogies. I think it started when I was young, growing up in Alberta where I had a friend of Ukranian heritage. We used to go visit her grandmother in Red Water and she would make homemade pierogies, which we would eat with reckless abandon. I think of my friend, Carolyn every time I eat pierogies to this day. This recipe combines pierogies with crispy fried Polish Kielbasa sausage, sautéed onions and tangy sauerkraut, all baked with cheese. It’s over the top, but an indulgent treat for anyone who loves traditional eastern European foods.
1 (1-pound) bag of sauerkraut
1 teaspoon canola oil
1 pound Polish Kielbasa sausage, cut into 1-inch slices
½ onion, sliced
salt and freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon caraway seeds
1 tablespoon stone-ground mustard
1 cup chicken stock or beer*
1 (1-pound) bag frozen potato and cheese filled pierogies
1 cup grated white Cheddar cheese
1 cup grated Swiss cheese
chopped scallions
*Quantity changes for alternate methods
Stovetop and Oven Directions
Serves:4
Cooking Time:35 minutes
1. Pre-heat the oven to 350°F.
2. Drain the sauerkraut, reserving the liquid.
3. Pre-heat a large 12-inch oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil and brown the Kielbasa sausage slices on both sides. Remove the browned sausage from the pan and set aside.
4. Add the onion to the skillet and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sauté until the onion starts to brown – about 5 minutes. Add the drained sauerkraut and caraway seeds and continue to sauté for a few more minutes. Add the stock or beer, reserved sauerkraut liquid and stone-ground mustard. Bring the mixture to a boil and return the browned Kielbasa to the skillet.
5. Add the pierogies, nestling them into the sauerkraut and onions. Lower the heat under the pan and simmer for 5 minutes. Sprinkle the Cheddar and Swiss cheeses on top and transfer the pan to the oven.
6. Bake at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes, until the pierogies are cooked through and the cheese has melted. Top with chopped scallions and enjoy!
Additional Cooking Directions for
Pressure Cooker Directions
Serves:4
Cooking Time:14 minutes
Change Ingredients: Add an additional ½ cup of chicken stock.
1. Pre-heat a 6-quart multi-function pressure cooker using the BROWN or SAUTE setting.
2. Add the oil and brown the kielbasa sausage slices on both sides. Remove the browned sausage from the cooker and set aside.
3. Add the onions to the cooker and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sauté until they start to brown – about 5 minutes. (If your cooker doesn’t have a brown setting, use a skillet on the stovetop for the steps above and transfer the contents to the cooker now.) Add the sauerkraut, caraway seeds, chicken stock or beer, reserved sauerkraut liquid, stone-ground mustard and browned kielbasa to the cooker and stir well. Add the pierogies, nestling them into the sauerkraut and onions. Cover and lock the lid in place.
4. Pressure cook on HIGH for 4 minutes.
5. Release the pressure using the QUICK-RELEASE method and carefully remove the lid. Transfer the mixture to a large serving dish and sprinkle the Cheddar and Swiss cheeses over the top. Cover with aluminum foil for a few minutes to melt the cheese. Top with the chopped scallions and enjoy!