Homemade Ukrainian Vareniki: Traditional Dumplings Step-By-Step Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 large potatoes, peeled
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup sour cream, for serving

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center, then add the water, egg, and oil. Stir together until a dough forms.
  2. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. Cover with a clean towel and let rest for 30 minutes.
  3. While the dough is resting, prepare the filling. Boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender. Drain and mash until smooth.
  4. In a frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent. Add the cooked onion to the mashed potatoes and stir in the grated cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Roll out the rested dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a round cutter or glass to cut out circles of dough.
  6. Place about a tablespoon of the potato filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges to seal, creating a half-moon shape.
  7. Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the vareniki and cook until they float to the top, about 5 minutes. Drain.
  8. Serve the vareniki warm with sour cream.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a nuttier flavor and increased fiber.
  • Experiment with different fillings such as sauerkraut, cottage cheese, or mushrooms.
  • Add some herbs or spices to the potato filling, such as dill, garlic powder, or paprika, to enhance the flavor.
  • Create a meat-filled version by adding cooked ground meat, such as beef or chicken, to the filling mixture.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Try a different shape for the vareniki, such as square or triangular, to add visual interest.
  • Instead of boiling, you can pan-fry the vareniki in some butter or oil for a crispy exterior.
  • Make a sweet version by filling the vareniki with fruits like cherries, blueberries, or apples, and serving them with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey.
  • Create a vegan version by using plant-based ingredients for the dough and filling, such as vegan margarine or coconut oil and tofu or tempeh instead of cheese and eggs.

Recipe overview

Vareniki are traditional Eastern European dumplings, particularly popular in Ukraine and Russia. This recipe will guide you through the process of making homemade vareniki filled with a comforting mixture of mashed potatoes, onions, and cheese. Vareniki are wonderfully versatile and can be served as a main course or a hearty side dish. Expect to get your hands a bit dirty when making the dough and forming the dumplings, but the result is well worth it. Remember to serve the vareniki warm, topped generously with sour cream for an authentic taste experience. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of flour?
    Yes, you can try using whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute. However, it may affect the texture and taste of the vareniki.
  2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
    Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After kneading, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to bring the dough to room temperature before rolling it out.
  3. Can I freeze the vareniki?
    Absolutely! Once the vareniki are cooked and drained, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer the frozen vareniki to an airtight container or freezer bag, and they can be stored for up to 3 months. To serve, boil them directly from frozen until heated through.
  4. Can I use a different filling?
    Certainly! While the traditional filling is made with potatoes and cheese, you can experiment with various fillings such as sauerkraut, mushrooms, or even sweet fillings like berries or cherries.
  5. Can I bake the vareniki instead of boiling them?
    Yes, you can bake the vareniki if you prefer. Place them on a baking sheet and brush with melted butter or oil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Vareniki, known as one of the most beloved dishes in Ukraine, has its roots deep in the country's history and culture. It is believed that the name "vareniki" itself comes from the word "varyty" which means to boil - a simple but appropriate tribute to the cooking method of these delicious dumplings. What's charming about vareniki is that they are traditionally made by families together, often during holidays or special occasions - everyone participates, from the youngest to the oldest, filling and shaping these delicate treats. This custom not only results in a delicious meal, but it also symbolizes unity and love within the family - making each bite of vareniki a taste of Ukrainian tradition and home.

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.