Traditional Ukrainian Pampushky: Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe

Ingredients

500 grams of all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon of salt
2 tablespoons of sugar
7 grams of dried yeast
300 ml of warm milk
1 egg
3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
4 cloves of garlic
100 grams of unsalted butter
2 tablespoons of fresh parsley
1 tablespoon of dill

Steps and instructions

In a bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar.
In a separate bowl, mix the yeast with the warm milk and let it sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the yeast mixture, egg, and vegetable oil. Stir until the dough starts to form.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel and let it rise for about 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
While the dough is rising, mince the garlic and combine it with the melted butter. Chop the fresh parsley and dill.
Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Divide the risen dough into small equal balls and place them on the prepared tray. Cover with a towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
Brush the dough balls with the garlic butter mixture and sprinkle the chopped herbs on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until they become golden brown.
Remove from the oven and brush with more garlic butter if desired. Serve warm.

Tools for making

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to combine and mix the ingredients.
Measuring Cups and Spoons - To accurately measure the ingredients.
Baking Tray - A flat tray used for baking the pampushky in the oven.
Parchment Paper - Used to line the baking tray and prevent sticking.
Clean Towel - Used to cover the dough while it rises.
Rolling Pin - To roll out the dough on a floured surface.
Knife - For mincing garlic and chopping herbs.
Pastry Brush - Used to brush the garlic butter mixture onto the pampushky before baking.

Recipe variations

Replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version.
Add grated cheese such as cheddar or mozzarella to the dough for a cheesy twist.
Experiment with different herbs and spices such as rosemary, thyme, or paprika to customize the flavor.
Make a stuffed version by adding a filling such as mashed potatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or cooked minced meat to the center of each dough ball before baking.
Try using alternative flours like gluten-free flour or almond flour for a gluten-free option.
Make a sweet version by adding sugar and cinnamon to the dough and topping the pampushky with a glaze or powdered sugar after baking.
Create a vegan version by substituting the milk with almond or soy milk, using a vegan butter substitute, and omitting the egg. Adjust the recipe as needed to achieve the desired consistency of the dough.
For a crustier texture, brush the dough balls with olive oil instead of the garlic butter mixture before baking.

Recipe overview

Welcome to our Pampushky recipe! Pampushky are Ukrainian garlic bread rolls, soft on the inside with a delicious garlic and herb topping. These rolls are traditionally served with borscht but can perfectly accompany any soup or stew, or simply eaten on their own. They're remarkably comforting, especially when served warm out of the oven. This recipe will guide you through a simple, step-by-step process to create these wonderful rolls at home. You'll start by preparing a yeasted dough, then shaping it into small balls and allowing it to rise. Once the dough has risen, you'll brush the tops with a deliciously aromatic garlic butter and sprinkle it with fresh herbs before baking. The result? Golden brown, beautifully soft rolls that will have your kitchen smelling like a bakery. This is a recipe you're bound to fall in love with, so let's get started!

Common questions

Can I use instant yeast instead of dried yeast? Yes, you can use instant yeast as a substitute for dried yeast. However, you may need to adjust the amount and follow the instructions on the yeast package.
Can I use a stand mixer instead of kneading by hand? Absolutely! You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough. Just follow the manufacturer's instructions for kneading dough.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? Yes, you can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. Keep in mind that the texture and taste of the pampushky may be slightly different.
Can I omit the garlic or reduce the amount? Yes, you can adjust the amount of garlic according to your preference. If you don't like garlic, you can omit it altogether, but it will change the flavor profile of the pampushky.
Can I freeze the pampushky? Yes, you can freeze the pampushky. Let them cool completely, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw them at room temperature and warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
Can I use other herbs instead of parsley and dill? Certainly! You can experiment with other herbs like cilantro, basil, or chives to add different flavors to the pampushky.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to combine and mix the dough ingredients.
Measuring Cups and Spoons - For accurate measurement of the ingredients.
Baking Tray - A flat tray used to place the dough balls for baking.
Parchment Paper - To line the baking tray and prevent sticking.
Basting Brush - To brush the garlic butter mixture onto the dough balls.
Knife - For mincing the garlic and chopping the herbs.
Clean Towel - To cover the dough while it is rising.
Oven - To bake the pampushky until they become golden brown.

Origin stories

Pampushky, these delightful garlic rolls, hail from the heart of Ukraine. Their name, intriguingly, translates to 'little cushions', perfectly capturing their soft, comforting essence. These rolls traditionally accompany borsch - the iconic Ukrainian beetroot soup. The pairing is so inherent in Ukrainian culture that a meal of borsch without pampushky is often considered incomplete. Interestingly, it's common to see pampushky adorned with garlic – it's not just for its robust flavor, but also because in olden days, it was believed that garlic had the power to ward off evil spirits. So next time you're savoring these heavenly rolls, remember, you're partaking in a tradition that has comforted Ukrainian families for generations, and perhaps, even kept them safe from the supernatural!

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.