Colțunași Recipe – Moldova's Dumpling Delight

Name: Colțunași
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 3-5 servings
Cuisine: Moldova
Ingredients: all purpose flour; as needed; butter; butter for frying; cheese farmer's cheese; egg; for cooking; for the dough; for the filling; onion; pepper; potatoes preferably from about potatoes; ricotta; salt; sour cream for serving; vegetable oil; water

Colțunași are delightful dumplings from Moldova, typically filled with mashed potatoes. This dish holds a special place in Moldovan cuisine, often enjoyed during family gatherings and festive occasions. They represent comfort food, bringing warmth and togetherness to the table.

⚡ Medium 🔥 ~250 kcal / serving

Ingredients

For the Dough:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 large egg
1/2 cup water (or as needed)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the Filling:
1 cup mashed potatoes (preferably from about 4 medium potatoes)
1 cup cheese (farmer's cheese or ricotta, drained)
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon butter
Salt and pepper, to taste
For Cooking:
2 tablespoons butter (for frying)
Sour cream, for serving

Instructions

Prepare Dough

In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the egg, water, and vegetable oil.

Mix until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Prepare Filling

In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and golden.

In a bowl, combine mashed potatoes, cheese, and cooked onion. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.

Assemble Colțunași

Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into squares (about 3 inches on each side).

Place a small spoonful of filling in the center of each square. Fold the dough over to form a triangle or rectangle, pinching the edges to seal.

Cook Colțunași

Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the colțunași in batches until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Serve

Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream on the side.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Colțunași?

Colțunași are traditional Moldovan dumplings, usually filled with mashed potatoes, creating a hearty and satisfying dish.

Where does Colțunași come from?

Colțunași originate from Moldova, a country known for its rich culinary traditions and warm hospitality.

What are the main ingredients in Colțunași?

Key ingredients include all-purpose flour, egg, water, salt, vegetable oil, and mashed potatoes.

How long does Colțunași take to make?

Colțunași take approximately 80-100 minutes to prepare and cook.

What do you serve with Colțunași?

Colțunași pair well with sour cream, sautéed onions, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Colțunași