Traditional Ukrainian Varenyky Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup mashed potatoes
1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons butter

Steps and instructions

In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center, and add the egg, sour cream, and softened butter. Stir together until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in the onions, and cook until golden brown. Mix onions with mashed potatoes and shredded cheese. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Divide the dough in half. Roll out one half to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into 3 inch rounds using a cookie cutter or glass. Place a small spoonful of the mashed potato filling onto each one. Moisten the edges with water, fold over, and press to seal. Repeat procedure with the remaining dough and filling.
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add perogies and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until perogies float. Drain, and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking process.
Finally, heat a skillet with some butter over medium heat. Pan fry the varenyky until golden brown on each side. Serve hot with additional sour cream, if desired.

Tools for making

Large bowl - Used for mixing the dough and other ingredients.
Skillet - Used for cooking the onions and frying the varenyky.
Cookie cutter or glass - Used to cut the dough into rounds.
Rolling pin - Used to roll out the dough.
Pot - Used for boiling the varenyky.
Spoon - Used for stirring and mixing the ingredients.
Plastic wrap - Used to wrap the dough and refrigerate it.
Knife - Used for chopping onions and other ingredients.

Recipe variations

Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier alternative.
Replace the mashed potatoes with sweet potatoes for a different flavor and color.
Add cooked and crumbled bacon to the mashed potato and cheese filling for a meaty variation.
Try different types of cheese such as feta, goat cheese, or mozzarella for unique flavor profiles.
Make a vegetarian version by substituting the mashed potatoes with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and ricotta cheese.
Experiment with different fillings such as sauerkraut, cottage cheese, or fruit preserves for a sweet version.
For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend or substitute with almond flour or chickpea flour.
Instead of boiling and frying, bake the varenyky in the oven for a healthier cooking method.
Add herbs and spices to the dough, such as dill or garlic powder, to enhance the flavor.
Make mini varenyky by using a smaller cookie cutter or glass to create bite-sized dumplings.

Recipe overview

Varenyky, also known as Perogies, is a delicious and comforting dish from Ukraine. This recipe involves making a simple dough that's filled with a savory mixture of mashed potatoes, cheese, and onions. Although it requires a bit of time and effort, the end result is entirely worth it. You'll be rewarded with tender, pillowy dumplings that are satisfyingly crisp on the outside, and deliciously creamy on the inside. Served with a dollop of sour cream, these varenyky are perfect as a snack, side dish, or a main meal. Roll up your sleeves and let's get started on making these delightful dumplings.

Common questions

How do I make the dough for the varenyky? To make the dough, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 egg, 1/2 cup of sour cream, and 1/4 cup of softened butter in a large bowl. Stir until a dough forms, then knead on a lightly floured surface until smooth. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
What is the filling for the varenyky? The filling consists of mashed potatoes, shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, and finely chopped onions. Cook the onions until golden brown, then mix them with the mashed potatoes and cheese. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
How do I assemble the varenyky? Roll out the dough to 1/8 inch thickness and cut into 3-inch rounds. Spoon a small amount of the mashed potato filling onto each round. Moisten the edges with water, fold over, and press to seal.
How do I cook the varenyky? Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the varenyky and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until they float. Drain and rinse with cool water. Then, heat a skillet with butter over medium heat and pan fry the varenyky until golden brown on each side.
What can I serve with varenyky? Varenyky can be served with additional sour cream for dipping. You can also serve them with a side of sautéed onions or a dollop of applesauce.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the dough and other ingredients.
Rolling Pin - Used to roll out the dough to the desired thickness.
Cookie Cutter or Glass - To cut the dough into rounds for the varenyky.
Skillet - Used to cook the onions and to pan fry the varenyky.
Large Pot - To boil the varenyky.
Spatula - To flip and remove the varenyky from the skillet.
Plates - For serving the cooked varenyky.
Sour Cream - Optional, but commonly served with varenyky.

Origin stories

Varenyky, also known as pierogi, are a national dish of Ukraine, beloved for their delicious versatility. They can be found in every Ukrainian kitchen, each family boasting its own secret recipe passed down through generations. Legend has it that the varenyky came to Ukraine from the territory of modern-day Turkey, along with the Tatar-Mongol tribes. As the story goes, in the 13th century, the Tatars wanted to refresh their food supply during their long raid on Kyivan Rus. So, they made simple dough and filled it with meat, a dish that over time evolved into the varenyky we know and love today. What's fascinating is that varenyky have a symbolic meaning in Ukrainian culture. They were considered a symbol of wealth and fertility, and were often served at celebratory feasts and important events.

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.