Traditional Ukrainian varenyky
This post includes varenyky recipes with four different fillings: varenyky with potatoes and onions, varenyky with pork, varenyky with cherries, and varenyky with farmer’s cheese (syr).
This post is a part of the series of family recipes that are cherished, loved, and passed through generations in my Belarusian and Ukrainian families. I cook each recipe in my kitchen and include detailed descriptions and photos of each step, as well as cooking secrets and tips. View all family recipes from Eastern Europe.
I’ve recently asked my followers on social media to guess the recipe I prepared for this month. I shared two hits: it’s a Ukrainian recipe, and I’ve never met a person who didn’t like it. There were different answers, but the top answer was varenyky. I guess it was an easy question!
In my Belarusian family, we didn’t cook varenyky. I tried them for the first time in Crimea when I was about 10 y.o. Our neighbor invited me and my siblings to lunch one day. We weren’t enthusiastic at first, but when she said she made varenyky with cherries, we ran to the table as fast as we could. Sweet cherries were growing everywhere in that little town by the Azov Sea. I remember picking them in Grandma’s garden each June. The varenyky were huge and probably the most delicious ones I’ve ever eaten. We licked our plates clean in 2 minutes, and since then, when someone asked me what my favorite meal was, I answered: potatoes and varenyky with cherries. I think you can’t get a more Belarusian-Ukrainian food combination than that :)
My Ukrainian husband was luckier than me, as he ate varenyky not once a year in Crimea but way more frequently. I asked his mom and grandma for the recipes and shared them with you in this post. I chose two savory and two sweet options so you can cook varenyky as a full meal or as dessert, depending on your mood and preferences.
In my early 20s, I visited the Ukrainian Carpathian Mountains in winter several times. I spent time hiking, skiing, and…eating varenyky. I had a little tradition – every time after skiing I went to the restaurant that served varenyky and bought as many as I could eat. My husband later told me that it was not the best place to eat varenyky, but I, a not-varenyky-spoiled Belarusian girl, loved them a lot.
Of course, nothing beats the varenyky made from scratch in your kitchen. I was a little worried when I cooked them for my husband for the first time, but as soon as he tried, he said: just like at home. I took it as the biggest compliment.
Below, you’ll find recipes of varenyky with four different fillings: savory and sweet.
I shared two variations of dough as well. I hope you’ll try making varenyky in your family!
Varenyky with potatoes and onions
It’s probably one of the most classic and comforting variations. Served with sour cream and fresh dill, these varenyky just melt in your mouth! Perfect as a full meal for lunch and dinner or as an appetizer as well.
Varenyky with pork
Varenyky with ground pork and onions is an incredibly hearty and delicious meal. You can serve them together with varenyky with potatoes, which makes the best combination!
Varenyky with cherries
The favorite dish of all time and the taste of childhood! You can cook them with fresh or frozen cherries, depending on the season.
Varenyky with farmer’s cheese (syr)
You need to visit the nearest Eastern European store in your area to find a certain kind of cheese for this recipe, and I shared what particular brand I always buy in the U.S. However, it’s definitely worth the effort! Served with condensed milk, varenyky with farmer’s cheese make a dream breakfast or dessert!
Below, you will find the step-by-step recipe instructions and photos of each step, which are available for paid subscribers. By upgrading to paid, you won’t only receive access to all previously posted family recipes from Eastern Europe, but will also allow me to continue my work and support both of my families who became refugees and whose recipes I share with you.
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