This recipe for russian meat dumplings, known as pelmeni or peljmeni, is traditionally filled with ground beef, pork, and sometimes lamb. It's then served with red wine vinegar, black pepper, and melted butter. Mushroom, sauerkraut, and vegetable fillings exist in other regions of russia. The word pelmeni describes the ear-shaped appearance of these dumplings, similar to polish uszka, or "Little ears, " A smaller version of polish pierogi. To make the job go faster, the dough and filling can be made ahead and the dumplings can be assembled and cooked the next day.