Vareniki: it’s more than just a food, it’s a hug on a plate. These dumplings are a staple in Ukrainian and Eastern European cuisine. Vareniki are often associated with home-cooked meals and family gatherings.
They’re similar to pierogi and pelmeni, but distinct enough to hold their own. These dumplings are filled with just about anything you can imagine.
Ready to learn more about the history of vareniki? Or maybe you’re hoping to find a recipe or some ideas about filling variations? This article will cover the history, preparation, and all the delicious possibilities of the humble vareniki.
What are vareniki?
Vareniki are half-moon-shaped dumplings that form a staple of Ukrainian cuisine. You’ll often find them in the nations that once made up the Soviet Union.
In Ukraine, vareniki are traditionally served with sour cream, butter, fried onions, bacon, or even pork fat.
Cultural significance
Ukrainians eat vareniki as an everyday dish, and they’re also part of celebrations, such as the traditional Christmas Eve supper known as Sviata Vecheriai.
Vareniki are deeply intertwined with Ukrainian culture and tradition, and they are often associated with abundance and the harvest.
In fact, Bukovel, Ukraine, even has an annual vareniki festival.
Vareniki vs. Pierogi vs. Pelmeni: What’s the Difference?
Vareniki, pierogi, and pelmeni are all dumplings, so people often mix them up. They’re all made of dough wrapped around a filling, but the fillings and origins are different. Vareniki are Ukrainian or Eastern European dumplings with various fillings. Pierogi are popular in Poland and Slovakia and usually have vegetarian fillings like potato and cheese. Pelmeni are Russian dumplings filled with meat.
Many other dumpling variations exist, including manti (popular in Central Asia and Turkey) and khinkali (from Georgia). Each has a distinct flavor profile and cultural significance.
The Essential Vareniki Dough
You can’t have vareniki without the dough, so here’s a recipe that’s simple to make and easy to work with.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup water or milk, plus more if needed
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon oil (sunflower or vegetable)
Preparation
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Make a well in the center and add the egg, water (or milk), and oil.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for relaxing the gluten and making the dough easier to roll out.
Troubleshooting tips:
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little flour while kneading, one tablespoon at a time.
- If the dough is too dry, rub a little olive oil on your hands and knead it in.
- Make sure to keep the dough covered with a damp towel while you work with it to prevent it from drying out.
Delicious vareniki fillings: Savory and sweet
Vareniki are endlessly adaptable, and you can fill them with just about anything. Here are some popular options.
Savory fillings
Potato filling is probably the most popular. To make a classic potato filling, you’ll boil the potatoes until they’re soft, mash them, and mix in some sautéed onions and melted butter. Some cooks add sour cream or cream cheese if they’ve refrigerated the potatoes and want to soften them up again.
Here are some other savory options:
- Cottage cheese
- Sauerkraut
- Cabbage
- Boiled beans or peas
Sweet fillings
You can also fill vareniki with fruit, such as plums.
When you’re working with sweet fillings, use a fine sugar like caster sugar and consider adding a bit of butter to the mixture.
Shaping and cooking vareniki
Once your dough is ready and your filling has cooled, it’s time to assemble and cook these little dumplings.
Shaping the vareniki
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about ⅛ inch (3 mm) thick.
- Use a cookie cutter or a drinking glass to cut out circles of dough. Aim for circles roughly 2 inches in diameter.
- Place a small amount of filling in the center of each dough circle. Don’t overfill them, or they may burst open during cooking.
- Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
- Dip your finger in water and run it along the inside edge of the dough to help it seal.
- Crimp the edges together firmly to seal. You can use a fork to create a decorative pattern, if you like.
Cooking the vareniki
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Carefully drop the vareniki into the boiling water. Don’t overcrowd the pot; cook them in batches if necessary.
- Cook the vareniki until they float to the surface and are cooked through, about 3 minutes.
- Use a skimmer or slotted spoon to carefully remove the cooked vareniki from the water.
Serve immediately with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, melted butter, or fried onions.
Serving and Topping Suggestions
Vareniki are good on their own, but the right toppings can make them fantastic.
The most common toppings are probably sour cream (or smetana, as they say in Ukraine), butter, and fried onions. But don’t let that stop you from experimenting. Here are a few other ideas:
- Crispy fried bacon or pork fat (shkvarky)
- Caramelized onions
- Fresh herbs (dill and parsley are particularly nice)
Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between dumplings and vareniki?
Dumplings are a broad category of dishes made from dough wrapped around a filling. Vareniki are a specific type of dumpling common in Ukrainian cuisine. The dough and fillings used in vareniki are distinct from those in many other dumpling varieties, like Chinese dumplings or Italian ravioli.
Are pierogi and vareniki the same thing?
Pierogi and vareniki are very similar and often used interchangeably, especially outside of Eastern Europe. However, pierogi are generally considered to be Polish, while vareniki are Ukrainian. The dough and fillings can vary slightly between the two, reflecting regional culinary traditions.
Is vareniki Russian or Ukrainian?
Vareniki are most closely associated with Ukrainian cuisine. While they are also eaten in Russia and other Eastern European countries, they are considered a national dish of Ukraine. They hold significant cultural importance in Ukrainian traditions and celebrations.
What is vareniki in English?
There isn’t a perfect, single-word translation of “vareniki” into English. The closest equivalent is “dumplings,” but that doesn’t fully capture the specific cultural and culinary meaning of vareniki. You might also see them described as “filled dumplings” or, more simply, “Ukrainian dumplings.”
In Conclusion
Vareniki are more than just dumplings; they’re a delicious, versatile taste of Eastern European culture. Whether savory or sweet, vareniki are infinitely adaptable to your tastes.
So, why not try making vareniki at home? Experiment with different fillings and toppings to create your own unique version of this beloved dish. You might just discover a new family favorite!