The term pelmeni and its etymology are two important aspects that allow us to consider the dumpling’s roots. The word pelmeni is derived from pel’nyan, which means, “ear bread” in the native Finno-Ugric, Komi, Udmurt, and Mansi languages (Wilson). In Russia, these dumplings are often referred to as ushki, meaning “little ears” (Molokhovets 327). While not always distinguished as being different from pelmeni, ushki are most often served in a broth and contain a mushroom filling. Both words serve as a reference to the dumpling’s ear-like shape (Lomas-Farley).
