Most people associate pelmeni with Siberia, and many recipes and references to the dish call it "Siberian dumplings." Pelmeni probably did originate in Siberia, where hundreds or even thousands could be made, and then frozen and stored outside during the long winters. However, the dumplings became very popular all over Russia. They are closely kin to "pot stickers," "pierogies," and other similar dumplings found in many cultures.
The Russian variety traditionally is made of flour, water, and salt. The dough is rolled out fairly thin, and cut in circles approximately two inches (one cup) in diameter. The filling is usually a mixture of minced pork, beef, onions, garlic, salt, and pepper.