7 Easy Ukrainian Recipes For Beginners

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Ever wanted to dive into Ukrainian cuisine but felt intimidated by the thought of making varenyky from scratch?

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Ukrainian food is hearty, comforting, and surprisingly beginner-friendly.

Whether you’re craving something savory, sweet, or just downright delicious, these 7 easy recipes will make you feel like a pro in no time. FYI, no babushka skills required. 😉

1. Borscht (The Iconic Beet Soup)

Let’s start with the queen of Ukrainian soups: borscht. This vibrant, beet-based soup is a staple in Ukrainian households. It’s tangy, slightly sweet, and packed with veggies. Plus, it’s basically a hug in a bowl.

Ingredients

• 4 medium beets, peeled and grated
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, grated
• 1 potato, diced
• 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp vinegar
• Salt, pepper, and dill to taste
• Sour cream for serving

Instructions

1. Sauté the onion, carrots, and beets in a large pot until softened.
2. Add the potato, broth, and tomato paste. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Stir in the vinegar, salt, and pepper. Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of dill.

Pro Tip: Borscht tastes even better the next day. Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers!

2. Varenyky (Ukrainian Dumplings)

Think of varenyky as Ukrainian pierogi. These little pockets of joy can be filled with anything from potatoes to cherries. Let’s start with a classic potato filling.

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 egg
• 2 large potatoes, boiled and mashed
• 1 onion, sautéed
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Butter for serving

Instructions

1. Mix the flour, water, and egg to form a dough. Roll it out and cut into circles.
2. Combine the mashed potatoes and sautéed onion. Place a spoonful of filling in each dough circle, fold, and seal.
3. Boil the varenyky for 3-4 minutes until they float. Serve with melted butter and sour cream.

Fun Fact: Ukrainians argue about the best filling for varenyky. IMO, potato is the GOAT.

3. Holubtsi (Cabbage Rolls)

Holubtsi are cabbage rolls stuffed with a savory filling of rice and meat. They’re like little burritos, but way more Eastern European.

Ingredients

• 1 head of cabbage
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1/2 lb ground beef or pork
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Blanch the cabbage leaves to soften them.
2. Mix the rice, meat, and onion. Place a spoonful of filling on each cabbage leaf and roll tightly.
3. Arrange the rolls in a pot, add tomato paste and broth, and simmer for 1 hour.

Tip: Serve with a side of sour cream for extra richness.

4. Deruny (Potato Pancakes)

Deruny are crispy, golden potato pancakes that are perfect for breakfast or as a side dish. They’re basically hash browns’ fancier cousin.

Ingredients

• 4 large potatoes, grated
• 1 onion, grated
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Instructions

1. Squeeze excess moisture from the grated potatoes and onion.
2. Mix with the egg, flour, salt, and pepper.
3. Fry spoonfuls of the mixture in hot oil until golden on both sides.

Pro Tip: Serve with sour cream or applesauce for a sweet-savory combo.

5. Syrniki (Cottage Cheese Pancakes)

Syrniki are sweet, fluffy pancakes made with cottage cheese. They’re perfect for breakfast or dessert. Think of them as cheesecake’s breakfast-friendly cousin.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 tbsp sugar
• Butter for frying
• Jam or sour cream for serving

Instructions

1. Mix the cottage cheese, egg, flour, and sugar until combined.
2. Form into small patties and fry in butter until golden.
3. Serve with jam or sour cream.

Fun Fact: Syrniki are a staple in Ukrainian breakfasts. They’re also a great way to use up leftover cottage cheese.

6. Kasha (Buckwheat Porridge)

Kasha is a simple, nutritious dish made from buckwheat. It’s like oatmeal’s savory, Eastern European cousin.

Ingredients

• 1 cup buckwheat
• 2 cups water or broth
• 1 tbsp butter
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Rinse the buckwheat and toast it in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes.
2. Add water or broth, bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Stir in butter and salt. Serve as a side or main dish.

Tip: Add sautéed mushrooms or onions for extra flavor.

7. Medivnyk (Honey Cake)

Medivnyk is a moist, spiced honey cake that’s perfect for dessert. It’s like gingerbread’s softer, sweeter cousin.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp cloves

Instructions

1. Mix the honey, sugar, and eggs until smooth.
2. Add the flour, baking soda, and spices. Pour into a greased pan.
3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes.

Pro Tip: Let the cake cool completely before slicing. It gets better with time!

FAQs

1. Can I make borscht without beets?

Technically, yes, but then it’s not borscht. Beets are the star of the show!

2. Are varenyky hard to make?

Not at all! The dough is simple, and you can customize the fillings to your liking.

3. Can I use a different meat for holubtsi?

Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey works just as well.

4. What’s the best way to store deruny?

Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan for maximum crispiness.

5. Can I make syrniki with ricotta?

Yes, ricotta is a great substitute for cottage cheese.

6. Is kasha gluten-free?

Yes! Buckwheat is naturally gluten-free.

7. How long does medivnyk last?

It stays fresh for up to 5 days if stored in an airtight container.

Final Thoughts

Ukrainian cuisine is all about comfort, flavor, and simplicity. These 7 recipes are perfect for beginners and will give you a taste of Ukraine’s rich culinary traditions. So, grab your apron, channel your inner babushka, and get cooking! Who knows? You might just discover your new favorite dish. 😊