**Discover the Delightful World of Ukrainian Varenyky: A Culinary Journey into Eastern European Comfort Food**
In the heart of Eastern Europe lies a culinary treasure that has captivated taste buds for generations: Ukrainian varenyky. These delectable dumplings, also known as perogies, are a beloved staple in Ukrainian cuisine, embodying the region's rich culinary heritage. Varenyky are a testament to the beauty of simplicity, featuring a tender dough enveloping a variety of savory or sweet fillings, boiled to perfection and served with a generous dollop of melted butter, fried onions, or tangy sour cream. With their pillowy texture and explosion of flavors, varenyky are a true delight for the senses.
This comprehensive guide will take you on a culinary journey into the world of Ukrainian varenyky, providing step-by-step instructions for crafting the perfect dough, exploring the diverse fillings that bring varenyky to life, and guiding you through the boiling process to achieve that al dente texture. Discover the art of shaping varenyky, from the classic half-moon shape to more intricate designs that add a touch of elegance to your dish.
But the adventure doesn't stop there. This article also delves into a collection of enticing varenyky recipes, each offering a unique taste experience. From the traditional potato and cheese filling to the indulgence of sauerkraut and mushroom, the recipes showcase the versatility of varenyky and cater to a range of preferences. And for those with a sweet tooth, the article features varenyky filled with sweet fruits, berries, or tvorog, a creamy farmer's cheese, ensuring that every craving is satisfied.
Get ready to embark on this culinary expedition, where you'll master the art of making Ukrainian varenyky and discover a world of flavors that will leave you craving more. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let's dive into the wonderful world of Ukrainian varenyky!
UKRAINIAN OLHA'S VARENYKY (PEROGIES)
Ukrainian Olha's Varenyky (perogies) These half moons of dough may be filled with a variety of fruits, vegetables, meats and cheeses, although for Christmas Eve potato and cabbage fillings are the favorite.
Provided by Olga D
Categories Main Dish Recipes Dumpling Recipes
Time 2h
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- To make the dough, combine the flour and salt in a large bowl. Make a well in the center and add the soft butter and evaporated milk; stir gently until all the liquid is absorbed. Add water only as needed, kneading continuously until dough sticks together. Place dough into a greased bowl, turn to coat, and let rest for 30 minutes.
- To make the potato filling, place potatoes into a saucepan with water to cover. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside. Melt 1/2 cup butter in a medium skillet, over medium heat. Saute onions in butter until tender. Mix the onions into the potatoes along with the cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- To make the sauerkraut and cabbage filling, pour the drained sauerkraut into a large saucepan. In a medium skillet, saute 2 onions in 1/2 cup butter until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir the onions into the sauerkraut along with the cabbage and chicken bouillon cube. Cook over low heat until liquid evaporates. Season with pepper and remove from heat. Allow the mixture to cool, then run through a grinder or food processor.
- Remove the dough from the bowl onto a lightly floured surface. Roll out to 1/8 inch in thickness. Cut into 3 inch circles. Place one tablespoon of filling onto one side of the circle. Fold the other half over and press the edges to seal. Place finished dumplings onto a floured tray and keep covered.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Drop 10 or so dumplings into the water at a time. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, then remove to a colander to drain. Place finished dumplings onto a lightly oiled dish and turn them to coat with a thin layer. This will keep them from sticking together. Serve dumplings with fried onions and sour cream. Cooled dumplings also can be fried in oil and butter for a nice crispy surface.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 635.9 calories, Carbohydrate 81.9 g, Cholesterol 76.1 mg, Fat 27.9 g, Fiber 7.4 g, Protein 15.7 g, SaturatedFat 17.2 g, Sodium 918.9 mg, Sugar 7.7 g
VARENIKI- UKRANIAN PIEROGIES
Provided by Food Network
Time 1h25m
Yield 50 to 55 vareniki -- enough fo
Number Of Ingredients 26
Steps:
- In a food processor, blend the flour and the salt. With the motor running, add the egg and the oil, and then pour the water in a slow, steady stream until the dough forms a ball around the blade. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 2 minutes, until smooth. Cover with a kitchen towel and let stand for 30 minutes. Divide the dough into 2 balls. On a floured surface, with a floured rolling pin, roll out one of the balls very thinly, to about 1/16th of an inch, making sure that it doesn't tear. With a cookie cutter, or a cup, cut out circles about 3 inches in diameter. Place a heaping teaspoon of the desired filling in the middle of a circle. Fold the dough over to form a semi-circle. Brush the edges with the egg and press firmly with the tines of the fork to seal. Place the vareniki as they are made on a large, lightly floured, platter, and cover with a damp cloth, while making the next batch. Repeat with the second ball of dough. Bring 6 quarts of salted water to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to moderate and carefully lower half of the vareniki into the water. Boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until they rise to the surface, about 6 to 7 minutes. With a slotted spoon, carefully remove the vareniki into a colander and drain thoroughly. Transfer into a deep serving bowl and toss with half of the butter.
- In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and saute the onion until deeply colored, about 10 minutes. In a mixing bowl, combine the rest of the ingredients. Add the Sauteed onion along with the cooking fat and mix well. Fill the vareniki and cook as directed.
- In a large skillet, saute the bacon over medium heat until it renders its fat. Remove the bacon and drain all but 2 tablespoons of fat. Add the onion and saute over medium heat until nicely browned. Turn the heat up to medium-high, add the sauerkraut and saute, stirring until limp and cooked through, about 10 minutes. Add the sugar and broth. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and cool to room temperature before filling. Use the reserved bacon for topping.;
- Combine all the filling ingredients and mix thoroughly. Fill and cook as directed. This filling can be either sweet or savory, so add salt or sugar, accordingly. Serve with sour cream and confectioners' sugar, if sweet.
UKRAINIAN VARENYKY WITH ONION BUTTER (PEROGIES)
This popular Ukrainian dish is also known as pyrohy, perogies or potato dumplings. Cheesy potato filling surrounded by a tender, almost non-existent, dough that melts in your mouth. This dough is so tender that I use vegetable oil if there is any left over varenyky. They are easier to pull apart after they have been refrigerated. Your could drizzle oil over the varenyky toss and then add the onion butter. Company's Coming.. Internation Buffet.
Provided by Olha7397
Categories < 30 Mins
Time 30m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- DOUGH: Combine flour, baking powder add salt in food processor.
- Process for 3 seconds.
- With motor running, slowly add cooking oil and enough warm water through feed chute until a ball begins to form.
- Turn dough out onto lightly floured surface.
- Knead 3 to 4 times until smooth.
- Cover with plastic wrap.
- Let stand for 20 minutes.
- ONION BUTTER: Saute onion in butter in small saucepan on medium-low for about 10 minutes until onion is soft but not brown.
- Keep hot.
- TWO CHEESE POTATO FILLING: Mix first 4 ingredients in medium bowl until Cheddar cheese melts and mixture is evenly moist.
- Makes about 2 1/4 cups filling.
- Divide dough into 4 equal portions.
- Roll out 1 portion into a rope about 12 inches long.
- Keep other portions covered.
- Cut at 1 inch intervals.
- Press balls slightly to flatten.
- Cover with plastic wrap.
- Stretch and press 1 ball to about 2 1/2 inches in diameter or roll out with rolling pin.
- Place in palm of hand.
- Place about 2 teaspoons filling centre.
- I like to make the potato filling a day ahead so that it is cold.
- Fold dough in half.
- With well floured fingers, pinch edges firmly together to seal.
- Edges of dough may be moistened if desired.
- Arrange in single layer on lightly floured tea towel-lined baking sheet.
- Cover with tea towel to prevent drying.
- Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
- Cook varenyky, in batches, in boiling water and salt in large pot or Dutch oven for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until varenyky float to top.
- Allow to bob for 1 minute.
- Remove using slotted spoon.
- Drain.
- Turn into large bowl.
- Drizzle some Onion Butter over each varenyky batch.
- Gently shake to mix and prevent sticking.
- Makes 4 dozen varenyky.
- VARIATION: Add 6 bacon slices, cooked crisp and crumbled, to Two Cheese Potato Filling.
- VARIATION: After varenyky are cooked, sauté, in batches, in 2 teaspoons butter in frying pan until lightly browned.
- TO MAKE AHEAD: Place filled varenyky (cooked or uncooked) on baking sheet, in layers between waxed paper or parchment paper.
- Cover.
- Freeze until solid.
- To remove varenyky, hit baking sheet on counter to pop them off.
- Store in resealable freezer bags in freezer.
- To cook from frozen, do not thaw.
- Boil, as above, increasing cooking time after they float to top.
- Serve with sour cream.
UKRAINIAN OLD FASHIONED PLUM YEAST VARENYKY (PEROGIES)
Sometimes varenyky dough is made with yeast. This makes a delicious dessert. You may use any fruit as a filling.
Provided by Olha7397
Categories Yeast Breads
Time 25m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Dissolve the sugar and ginger in the lukewarm water, and sprinkle the yeast over it. Let it stand for 10 minutes. Combine the yeast with the lukewarm milk, eggs, and salt. Stir in the flour, and knead it until smooth. The dough should be soft. Cover and let it rise in a warm place until double in bulk.
- Cut the dough into 2 parts for easier handling. Roll each part into a long roll about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Cut the roll into 1/2 inch pieces. Flatten each piece and wrap it around a plum filled with sugar and cinnamon. Seal the edges securely. Place them on a floured board, cover, and let them rise.
- Drop a few varenyky at a time into rapidly boiling salted water. Stir gently with a wooden spoon. When the varenyky rise to the top, cook them for about 2 minutes by rapid boiling.
- Remove them with a perforated spoon to a colander and drain well. Do not overcook because this dough has a tendency to become somewhat firm.
- Place the varenyky in a serving dish, sprinkle generously with melted butter, and toss lightly to coat them evenly. Serve hot with a sprinkling of sugar and browned buttered bread crumbs, or sour cream.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 363.7, Fat 5.1, SaturatedFat 2, Cholesterol 112.2, Sodium 351.4, Carbohydrate 64.2, Fiber 2.8, Sugar 1.5, Protein 13.9
UKRAINIAN PIROHI / AKA VARENYKY
Pirohi (or varenyky as they are called Ukrainian because they are boiled).. are a mashed potato, cheese, onion filled dumpling.. that is boiled, drained and then served with sautéed onions and butter. I've been making this recipe for 35 years and watched my mother and grandmother make them as a child. It's a very, very filling and tasty main dish served along with Kolbassi and a salad. (Potato,Onion and Cheese-filled Dumplings)
Provided by Georgia Sawhook
Categories Potato
Time 3h10m
Yield 80-90 pirohis, 8-10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Prepare potatoes as you would for mashed potatoes until tender and then drain and keep in the pot.
- At the same time the potatoes are cooking, sauté the onions in the entire pound of margarine.
- When the onions are done, using a slotted spoon, scoop out about 3/4 of the onions and put into the pot of potatoes.
- You will be saving almost all the margarine for the end of the recipe with a little bit of the onions.
- Also add the shredded cheddar cheese to the potatoes.
- Then using an electric mixer, mash the potato mixture until as smooth as possible.
- It will be lumpy somewhat with the onions in it.
- At that time, add garlic and salt and pepper to your own taste and mix until done.
- Set aside to cool while you work on the dough.
- In a large bowl, put about 6 cups of flour in making a well in the middle.
- In the well, put in one teaspoons.
- Salt, both eggs (already slightly beaten), and about one cup of water.
- Mix well with a strong wooden spoon and add water or flour as needed until the dough is formed.
- When it's almost ready it will no longer stick to the sides of the bowl.
- Place the dough on a well-floured surface and knead it until it is smooth and shiny.
- Use flour as needed, but not too stiff.
- Set aside and let the dough rest.
- Fill a large 6-8 quart pot with water, add a teaspoon of salt, and bring the water to rolling boil.
- The process of the making the pyrohis is easy but it is a long one.
- Extra hands are always welcome in making this delicious meal.
- On one side of your table, place a clean sheet folded to fit your space and flour this very well.
- It will be the place you will set your pirohis between the making and actual boiling of them.
- If your surface is not floured, they will stick and fall apart in the boiling process.
- Cut off about 1/3 of the dough and rolls with a rolling pin until thin (not too thin).
- Cut circles with a round biscuit cutter or a glass.
- Keep hands floured so the dough doesn't stick to them and stretch out dough a little a a time until there is enough space to put the potato mixture inches.
- With a teaspoon, fill the center of the dough with the potato mixture and fold the dough over and pinch the edges tight with floured fingers to form a crescent.
- Put the completed pirohi on your well-floured sheet and continue the process until all your pirohi are done.
- If the water is boiling too much, turn down until you are ready to boil them.
- Now the actual cooking starts.
- Put about a dozen of the pirohi in the boiling water and stir once easily to loosen them.
- Now let them boil until they float to the top of the pot and let them boil for another minute or so.
- Remove them one at a time with a large slotted spoon and put them into a colander to drain.
- Use a large cake pan or a roaster pan and drizzle the bottom with the extra onion margarine.
- Place the drained pirohi in the pan and cover them with a little margarine mixture and shake the pan back and forth to keep the pirohis from sticking to each other.
- Repeat the process until all the pirohi are done.
- Keep the large pan or roaster in the oven only on warm and cover them with foil or lid to keep them from drying out.
- Any extra dough: Roll out thin on the floured surface and cut into strips, boil, drain and use for buttered noodles or holushki (sautéed cabbage and noodles.) I guarantee-- if you take the time to make these babies-- your family will LOVE them-- and you will have tasted two of the best of the Ukrainian cuisine around!
- MMM-MMM Dobreeeeee (good).
UKRAINIAN SWEET CABBAGE VARENYKY (PIEROGI DUMPLINGS)
This is time consuming but delicious. Steamed cabbage is ground and mixed with cream cheese and butter.
Provided by Olha7397
Categories European
Time 36m
Yield 8 doz
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- TO MAKE THE FILLING: Cut the cabbages into quarters. Steam until very tender, approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Drain and cool. In a strong but thin linen towel, squeeze as much of the liquid from the steamed cabbage as possible. Squeeze only a small handful at a time. Discard the juice.
- Grind the squeezed cabbage with the fine blade of a meat grinder. Add the cream cheese and softened butter and season highly with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- TO MAKE THE DOUGH: Whisk the egg, milk, water, and sour cream together. Add the flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Turn out onto a floured board and knead until smooth and elastic. This may take 10 minutes. Add as little additional flour as possible.
- Put ball of dough under an inverted bowl until ready to use.
- To make the varenyky, cut the dough into 4 pieces. On a floured board roll out piece of dough into a round 1/16 inch thick. Keep rest of dough covered. With a cookie cutter or glass tumbler (2 1/2 to 3 inches in diameter), cut the dough into rounds. For each varenyk take 1 round of dough, stretch it a bit with your fingers, and spoon about 2 Tablespoons of the cabbage onto the center.
- Fold the circle in half and press the edges together. Crimp the edges with your fingertips into a decorative pattern if you wish. Be sure to seal the edges well or the filling may fall out during cooking. Put finished dumplings on a towel or tray that has been lightly sprinkled with cornmeal. Continue rolling dough until all the filling has been used up.
- Bring a very large kettle of water to the boil. Add 1 Tablespoon salt to the water and cook about 20 varenyky at one time in simmering water until they are tender and float (about 5 to 6 minutes.) Remove to a serving dish with a slotted spoon and dribble with butter and a bit of oil, to prevent sticking. Gently fold the varenyky in the oil. Leftover varenyky can be fried in butter and oil with fried onions.
- Makes approximately 8 dozen dumplings.
UKRAINIAN VARENYKY PYROHY PIEROGIES
I got this from our Nova Scotian news channel ATV from MairiAnna and her Father. These Perogies are very delicious
Provided by reya doucette
Categories European
Time 1h15m
Yield 12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Potato Filling.
- Cook the onion in 2 Tbsp butter until tender.
- Add onions and cheese to hot cooked potatoes and mash thoroughly.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside and let cool to room temperature before using.
- Dough.
- Mix 2 cups flour and salt in a deep bowl.
- Add egg, mashed potatoes, 1 Tbsp melted butter and enough water to make medium soft dough.
- Knead on floured board until smooth.
- Divide dough into two parts - Cover and let stand for at least ten minutes.
- Roll dough thin on floured board.
- Cut dough into 2-1/2 inch squares.
- Place a spoonful of filling on each square - fold over to form triangle.
- Press edges together with fingers.
- Place pyrohy on floured board and cover with tea towel to prevent drying.
- Drop a few pyrohy at a time into large quantity of rapidly boiling salted water - do not cook too many at a time.
- Stir gently with wooden spoon to separate and prevent from sticking to bottom of pot.
- Continue to cook for 3 - 4 minutes. Pyrohy is ready when it begins to float or is well puffed.
- Remove with perforated spoon to colander and drain thoroughly.
- Place in deep dish, sprinkle and toss generously with melted butter and lightly browned onions in butter.
- Serve with sour cream and/or chopped crisp bacon. Enjoy!
- Perogies can be frozen once cooked and cooled. To eat, defrost and pan fry in butter till browned on either side.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 207.6, Fat 6.7, SaturatedFat 4, Cholesterol 35.3, Sodium 309.9, Carbohydrate 30.1, Fiber 2.3, Sugar 0.9, Protein 6.7
Tips:
- For the perfect dough, use a combination of all-purpose flour and semolina flour. Semolina flour will give the dough a slightly chewy texture.
- When rolling out the dough, make sure it is thin enough, about 1/8 inch thick. This will ensure that the varenyky cook evenly.
- Be generous with the fillings. The more fillings you use, the more flavorful the varenyky will be.
- To prevent the varenyky from sticking together, toss them in a bowl with a little bit of flour or melted butter.
- Cook the varenyky in batches, so that they don't overcrowd the pot. This will help them cook evenly.
- When serving the varenyky, top them with your favorite sauce. Some popular options include sour cream, melted butter, or a mushroom sauce.
Conclusion:
Varenyky are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They are also a great way to use up leftover ingredients. With a little practice, you'll be able to make perfect varenyky every time.
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