Authentic Ukrainian Pampushki: Step-by-Step Recipe

Ingredients

500g all-purpose flour
2 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
7g dry yeast
300ml warm milk
60ml vegetable oil
2 cloves of garlic
100g unsalted butter
Fresh dill for garnish

Steps and instructions

In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, salt, and dry yeast together.
Gradually add the warm milk to the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough starts to form.
Add the vegetable oil to the dough and knead until it becomes smooth and elastic. This should take about 10 minutes.
Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
While the dough is rising, prepare the garlic butter. Melt the unsalted butter and mix it with the finely chopped garlic.
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Punch down the risen dough and divide it into small balls. Place them on the prepared baking tray.
Brush the dough balls with the garlic butter and let them rise again for about 15 minutes.
Bake the pampushki in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
Brush the freshly baked pampushki with the remaining garlic butter and garnish with fresh dill.
Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tools for making

Large bowl - Used to mix the dough ingredients.
Kitchen towel - Used to cover the dough while it rises.
Baking tray - Used to place the dough balls for baking.
Parchment paper - Placed on the baking tray to prevent sticking.
Basting brush - Used to brush the garlic butter onto the dough balls.
Knife - Used to finely chop the garlic.
Oven - Preheated to bake the pampushki.

Recipe variations

Whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour
Adding grated cheese to the dough for a cheesy flavor
Using different herbs such as parsley or chives instead of dill
Adding cooked and crumbled bacon or chopped ham to the dough for a meaty option
Stuffing the pampushki with a filling of your choice, such as garlic and herb cream cheese or mashed potatoes
Serving the pampushki with a dipping sauce, such as marinara sauce or garlic aioli
Making mini pampushki by shaping smaller dough balls
Adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top for extra flavor and texture
Making a sweet version by adding sugar and cinnamon to the dough and serving with a sweet glaze
Using a combination of different flours, such as adding some rye flour or cornmeal for a unique taste

Recipe overview

Welcome to our Pampushki recipe! Pampushki are small, delightful Ukrainian bread rolls, typically enjoyed as a side dish. They're often served with borscht (beet soup) but can be enjoyed with many other meals as well. These rolls are soft, fluffy, and brushed with fragrant garlic butter for an extra layer of flavor. Some people even like to sprinkle them with fresh dill for a vibrant touch. Making Pampushki may seem like a daunting task, but with this step-by-step guide, you'll be able to make these delicious rolls in no time. Expect a fun baking project and delicious results that will warm your heart and delight your palate.

Common questions

Can I use instant yeast instead of dry yeast? Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for dry yeast in this recipe. Use the same amount of instant yeast as specified for dry yeast.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? Yes, you can replace up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
How do I know if the dough has doubled in size? The dough should visibly increase in size and become puffy. You can also gently press your finger into the dough, and if the indentation remains, it has doubled in size.
Can I make the garlic butter in advance? Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before using.
Can I freeze the pampushki? Yes, you can freeze the baked pampushki. Let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Can I reheat the pampushki? Yes, you can reheat the frozen or leftover pampushki in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing bowl - A large bowl to mix the dough ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons - To accurately measure the ingredients.
Baking tray - To bake the pampushki in the oven.
Parchment paper - To line the baking tray and prevent sticking.
Brush - For brushing the garlic butter onto the pampushki before and after baking.
Knife - To finely chop the garlic for the garlic butter.
Kitchen towel - To cover the dough while it rises.

Origin stories

Nestled in the heart of the Ukraine, pampushki is a humble, yet deliciously satisfying food that often accompanies borscht, the iconic Slavic soup. Pampushki, in fact, is the diminutive form of the word “pampukh”, which means “a fluffy, filled bun” in Ukrainian. But the Ukrainians decided that one bun is never enough, and thus they miniaturized it and started serving this garlicky delight in multiples, often arranged in a beautiful flower-like pattern. It's a true testament to Ukrainian hospitality and their love for heart-warming, communal meals. The strong aroma of garlic and fresh dill, intertwined with the yeasty smell of freshly baked bread, is a distinctive feature of Ukrainian homes, making pampushki a symbol of warmth, togetherness, and the simple joy of shared meals.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.