Potato vareniki are a dish that is associated with childhood, comfort, and family warmth. They are loved for their simplicity of preparation, satisfying nature, and the ability to experiment with fillings. This recipe is basic, but thanks to it, you can feel the real taste of Ukrainian vareniki, the way our grandmothers used to cook them.
The History of Vareniki: From Pagan Times to the Present Day
Vareniki are a dish with an ancient history. It is believed that they appeared in pagan times and symbolized prosperity and fertility. Over time, vareniki became an integral part of Ukrainian cuisine, they were cooked for holidays and on weekdays, with a variety of fillings.
Potatoes, as you know, appeared in Ukraine relatively recently – in the 18th century. However, it quickly became popular, and potato vareniki became one of the most beloved dishes.
Potato Vareniki: Simple and Delicious
This recipe for potato vareniki is very simple and is suitable even for beginners in cooking. The dough is prepared with boiling water, without adding eggs, so it turns out tender and elastic. The filling is classic, made from potatoes and fried onions.
Potato vareniki can be cooked on any day, and even during Lent. They taste great with sour cream, butter, or just with fried onions.
Recipe for Ukrainian Potato Vareniki
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 400 g flour
- 200 g boiling water
- 3 tbsp. vegetable oil
- 0.5 tsp. salt
For the filling:
- 800 g potatoes
- 1 onion
- 1 tbsp. vegetable oil
- Salt, pepper to taste
For frying:
- 1 onion
- 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
Preparation:
- Prepare the dough:
- Sift the flour and add salt.
- Make a depression in the flour and pour in boiling water.
- Add oil and knead the dough. First with a spoon, then with your hands.
- The dough should be elastic and not stick to your hands.
- Grease the dough with oil and leave for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the filling:
- Peel the potatoes and boil until cooked.
- Finely chop the onion and fry in oil until transparent.
- Drain the water from the potatoes and mash them into a puree.
- Add the fried onion, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Shape the vareniki:
- Divide the dough into parts and roll each part into a thin layer.
- Cut out circles of dough.
- Put the filling on each circle and pinch the edges.
- Cook the vareniki:
- Bring water to a boil and salt it.
- Lower the vareniki into boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes after they float.
- Prepare the frying:
- Finely chop the onion and fry in oil until golden brown.
- Serve the vareniki:
- Remove the finished vareniki from the water and grease them with the frying.
- Serve with sour cream or butter.
Enjoy your meal!
Tips and Variations
- For a richer taste, you can add fried mushrooms or cracklings to the filling.
- The dough for vareniki can be prepared not only with boiling water but also with kefir or whey.
- Vareniki can not only be boiled but also fried or baked.
