FILLING:

4 tbsp. sunflower oil
3 med. onions, peeled & chopped
1 1/2 lb. ground beef
1 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper

DOUGH:

2 c. all-purpose flour
1/8 tsp. salt
1 egg
1/2-3/4 c. water or skim milk
Melted butter

Filling:

1. In a large frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat for 1 minute. Add onions and saute until golden brown. Remove from pan and set aside.

2. Add remaining oil to pan and heat for 1 minute over medium-high heat. Add meat and cook until brown, mashing with a fork to break into small pieces. Drain off fat.

3. Place meat, onions, salt and pepper in a blender; cover and blend on maximum speed for 5-7 seconds. (If you don't have a blender, place meat in a large bowl and mash well with a fork.)

Dough:

1. In a medium bowl, mix flour, salt and egg. Add liquid, a little at a time, until dough is stiff.

2. Knead dough for 2-4 minutes on a floured surface. (You will have to add more flour.) Roll out dough to 1/8 inch thickness with a rolling pin. With a glass or cookie cutter, cut out rounds of dough 3 inches in diameter.

3. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

4. Put 1 tablespoon filling on 1/2 of each circle. Moisten edges of dough with a little water. Fold dough over filling and press edges together first with your fingers, then with the tines of a fork.

5. Place pirozhki on a greased cookie sheet and bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Brush with melted butter and serve at room temperature. (Makes 12-18 pirozhki.)