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Traditional Vareniki Recipe

Traditional Vareniki Recipe

Vareniki, also known as pierogi in Poland, is a type of dumpling popular in Ukraine and Russia, which is typically filled with mashed potatoes, cottage cheese, sauerkraut or meat.

The dumplings are usually crescent moon shaped and boiled in salted water until cooked. Vareniki is usually served with sour cream or butter, and can be eaten as a main course or as a side dish.

Origin & Cultural Significance

Vareniki has been around for centuries. This dish is believed to have originated in the eastern regions of Ukraine, and were initially made with wild berries and fruit. Over time, the filling was changed to include other ingredients, such as potatoes, cheese, and meat.

Today, vareniki are a staple of Ukrainian cuisine and are enjoyed by people all over the world. They are often served at celebrations and festivals, and are a popular comfort food.

Similar dumpling dishes are made all over the world; for example Gyoza in Japan or Mandu in South Korea.

Ukranian Vareniki

Ukrainian Vareniki Recipe

Yield: 20
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Vareniki, also known as pierogi in Poland, is a type of dumpling popular in Ukraine and Russia, which is typically filled with mashed potatoes, cottage cheese, sauerkraut or meat.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour - 2 cups
  • Salt - ½ tsp
  • Vegetable oil - ¼ cup
  • Warm water - ½ cup
  • Mashed potatoes - 2 cups
  • Finely chopped onion - 1/2 cup
  • Butter - 1 tbsp
  • Shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup
  • Salt and pepper - to taste

Instructions

  1. To make the dough, mix the flour and salt together in a large bowl. Add the vegetable oil and stir until the mixture is crumbly.
  2. Gradually add the warm water to the mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
  3. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
  4. To make the filling, cook the onion in butter over medium heat until it is soft and translucent.
  5. Add the mashed potatoes and cheese to the onion mixture and stir until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it is about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cookie cutter or glass to cut out circles that are about 3 inches in diameter.
  7. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, and pinch the edges together to seal.
  8. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the vareniki to the water, and cook for about 3-4 minutes or until they float to the surface.
  9. Serve the vareniki hot, topped with sour cream or melted butter
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 562Total Fat: 26gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 833mgCarbohydrates: 69gFiber: 4gSugar: 3gProtein: 12g

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