Try this recipe for Vegan Pumpkin Pierogi for a unique fall dinner that's easier to prepare than you'd think! Filled with savory, spiced squash puree and creamy cashew cheese, this is a perfect dish for entertaining on a cozy fall evening.
Fall is a perfect time for cozy dinner recipes! Cheesy Potato Vegan Pierogi are always a hit in my house, so today's recipe is a fun variation on that theme.
What is in pumpkin pierogi?
Similar to more traditional styles of pierogi, this recipe involves a basic (unleavened) dough that is then rolled and cut into circles. These are folded into half-moon-shaped dumplings stuffed with a savory squash filling. Once stuffed and sealed, pierogi are boiled and pan-fried to serve. To make this recipe, you'll need:
- Flour, salt, and neutral oil for the dough
- Pumpkin puree, cashew parmesan, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg for the filling
Even though there is brown sugar featured here, trust me it does not lend much sweetness to the final pierogi. Rather, this helps to balance the spices we're including.
Tips For Making Pierogi That Are Vegan
The main substitute needed to ensure these pierogi are dairy-free is the elimination of cheese/dairy. This is simple enough! We'll use one of my most versatile recipes, cashew parmesan, to make this happen. Cashew parm is something I always have on hand. To make it, simply pulse in a food processor 1 cup raw cashews, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, 3 TBS nutritional yeast, and a pinch of salt. I keep it stored in a sealed jar in the fridge for a few months, where it makes so many dishes (especially things like fig jam pizza and cherry tomato pasta all vodka) all the better.
While some people find that using milk to seal the pierogi helps to keep it closed, I have not found this essential. Instead, use the tines of a fork to press down the rounded edges of the dumplings (like you would for a pie crust).
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Possible Substitutions for This Recipe
Cooked sweet potato or butternut squash puree would be nice substitutes for pumpkin.
I have not tried a gluten-free version of the dough, but would think a store-bought 1-for-1 flour would be the best place to start.
I like serving these with coconut yogurt, but a cashew sour cream would also be tasty.
Fried sage would be an excellent complement to the fall flavors we've got going on - I of course did not have any when photographing these or would have loved that addition!
More Squash Dinners to Try
I hope you love this recipe! As always, please leave a comment with a star rating if you give it a try. I love hearing how things work for readers.
Vegan Pumpkin Pierogi
Equipment
- 1 Skillet
- 1 large pot
Ingredients
For pierogi dough:
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup water
- ½ neutral oil like avocado
For pumpkin filling:
- 1 ¼ cup pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup cashew parmesan see notes for recipe
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 TBS brown sugar
- Vegan butter to pan fry
- Optional ingredients for serving: Truffle honey coconut yogurt, parsley, fried sage
Instructions
- To begin, combine flour, salt, water, and oil in a large bowl and mix until incorporated. Using both hands, knead mixture together until the dough comes together, looking smooth and soft. This should take 5-6 minutes. Remove the dough ball, add some oil to the sides and bottom of the bowl, place dough ball back in, and cover with a towel. Let dough rest at room temperature for 30 minutes (this will relax the gluten strands making it easier to roll). Alternatively, this dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for a couple of days. If you take this route just be sure that the dough has time to come to room temperature before rolling. This will help with elasticity.
- In a medium bowl, mix together pumpkin, parm, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out your now-rested dough. Using a medium sized glass or circle cutter, cut as many 3-inch circles as you can. Re-roll remaining dough if needed. To assemble pierogi, add 1-2 TBS pumpkin to the side of one circle of dough. Carefully fold the other side up and over the filling, trying not to break it. Press down very firmly with a fork so that the edges remain intact. Refer to the photos above for the ideal shape. Repeat with all remaining dough circles (you may have leftover filling). Once all pierogi are shaped, add to a large tray and place in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes while you bring a large pot of water to boil.
- Once water is boiling, carefully drop one pierogi a time into boiling water. Try not to add more than 4, as they may stick together. Carefully stir to ensure they do not get stuck to the bottom of the pot. Let boil 3-4 minutes, until they float. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- If you plan to eat right away, melt 2 TBS of vegan butter in a skillet and pan-fry each pierogi for 3-4 minutes per side, until crispy and golden. If you'd like to eat them later, store in the freezer (in a single layer so they do not stick together) and pan-fry once you're ready to enjoy.
- To serve, plate with toppings of choice and enjoy!
D says
Absolutely delicious!
Emily says
Thank you for rating, D!!