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+ servings
A plate of homemade dumplings dusted with powdered sugar and topped with fresh mint leaves.

Leniwe

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Leniwe, also known as Polish Lazy Pierogi, are soft dumplings made from farmer’s cheese, flour, and eggs. This simple dish can be served sweet with sugar and cinnamon or savory with buttery breadcrumbs for a comforting meal.
4 Servings

Ingredients

For the Dumplings:

  • 2 cups farmer’s cheese
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For Serving (Savory Option):

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs

For Serving (Sweet Option):

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions
 

Prepare the Dough

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the farmer’s cheese, flour, eggs, and salt. Mix gently with a spoon or hands until the ingredients are fully incorporated, forming a soft dough. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. If it feels too sticky, add a small amount of flour, being careful not to over-flour as it may result in denser dumplings.

Shape the Dumplings

  1. Lightly flour a clean work surface. Divide the dough into smaller sections and roll each into a log approximately 1 inch thick. Cut the logs into 1-inch pieces, forming small, pillow-shaped dumplings.

Cook the Dumplings

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully drop the dumplings into the water, ensuring they do not overcrowd the pot. Cook in batches if necessary.
  2. Once the dumplings float to the surface (about 2-3 minutes), allow them to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the water and set aside to drain.

Prepare the Savory Version

  1. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the breadcrumbs and toast until golden brown and fragrant, stirring frequently.
  2. Toss the cooked dumplings in the buttery breadcrumbs until evenly coated.

Prepare the Sweet Version

  1. Melt the butter and drizzle it over the warm dumplings.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the dumplings for a lightly sweet finish.

Serve and Enjoy

  1. Serve the dumplings immediately while warm. They can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish.

Notes

To prepare gluten-free Leniwe, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend containing xanthan gum. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the savory topping, or omit them entirely. Ensure the farmer's cheese and all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
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