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Cozy Ukrainian Varenyky Recipe Easy Homemade Comfort Dumplings

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These cozy Ukrainian varenyky are comforting dumplings with a tender dough and flavorful fillings, perfect for family gatherings or a warm, nostalgic meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (315 grams) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) warm water
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter
  • 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 1 cup (225 grams) cottage cheese or farmer’s cheese, well-drained
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill or green onions (optional)
  • Optional Sweet Cherry Filling:
  • 1 ½ cups (225 grams) fresh or frozen pitted cherries, thawed if frozen
  • ¼ cup (50 grams) sugar, adjust to taste
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 ½ cups sifted flour and 1 teaspoon salt. Make a well in the center.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together ¾ cup warm water, 1 large room-temperature egg, and 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter.
  3. Slowly pour the liquid mixture into the flour well. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If dough feels sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour.
  5. Cover the dough with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rest for 20–30 minutes.
  6. Place 3 peeled and quartered medium russet potatoes in a pot of cold salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15–20 minutes.
  7. Drain potatoes well and mash thoroughly until smooth. Let cool slightly.
  8. Mix mashed potatoes with 1 cup well-drained cottage cheese, 2 tablespoons melted butter, salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons chopped dill or green onions if using. Stir until combined.
  9. On a floured surface, roll dough to about ⅛ inch (3 mm) thickness. Use a 3-inch round cutter or glass rim to cut circles.
  10. Place about 1 tablespoon of filling in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill.
  11. Fold dough over filling to form a half-moon shape. Press edges firmly to seal, then crimp with a fork or pinch decoratively.
  12. Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Drop varenyky in batches, stirring gently to prevent sticking. Cook until they float and then for an additional 2-3 minutes (about 5-7 minutes total).
  13. Using a slotted spoon, remove varenyky and transfer to a serving dish. Top with melted butter or sour cream and sprinkle fresh dill if desired.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pot during boiling to prevent sticking. Wet dough edges with a little water before sealing to help them stick better. Letting the dough rest for 20-30 minutes relaxes gluten and makes rolling easier. If dough tears, pinch it back together or add a little water to reseal. Use plenty of boiling water and stir gently while cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: varenyky, Ukrainian dumplings, comfort food, homemade dumplings, potato dumplings, cottage cheese, sweet cherry filling, easy recipe

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/cozy-ukrainian-varenyky-recipe-easy-homemade-comfort-dumplings/