Christmas is a significant holiday for Ukrainians. It is both a state and family holiday, and it is eagerly awaited in every Ukrainian home. This day is an official holiday and an occasion to get together with the whole family.
Since it is customary in Ukraine to set out a hearty feast for big holidays, a rich table for guests is a must-have. We have already learned a little more about celebrating Christmas and New Year traditions in Ukrainian families, and now we will learn more about the traditional dishes prepared for Christmas.
12 apostles equal 12 dishes
The Ukrainian family’s most important tradition is preparing 12 dishes for the festive table. This figure symbolizes 12 apostles and 12 months. Each dish is prepared with love and attention to detail. Then, when the first star appears in the sky, the whole family sits down at the table to celebrate Christmas.
Today we present to your attention 12 Christmas dishes, which were collected as part of the project “From Roman to Jordan” in 2010 by a group of activists from Lviv. The menu is lenten and can be eaten during religious fasts according to Christian traditions. Christmas fast is observed from November 15 to December 24 (Catholics and Protestants) or from November 28 to January 6 (Orthodox and Greek Catholics).
- Wheat kutia
Kutia is the main dish on Holy Evening in Ukraine. It has a special significance and is served first, and then all other dishes are eaten. It is believed that for a good celebration of Christmas, you need to cook the main dish – kutia – with love and positive thoughts.
- Uzvar
Uzvar is a delicious drink that is very easy to cook. Such a compote is prepared based on dried fruits and water. If desired, you can add some sugar and herbs to taste, for example, rosemary, thyme, or mint.
- Green peas and beans salad
Peas and beans symbolize rebirth after decay and the unity of the family because everyone at the Christmas table is like peas in a pod. Pickled beans and green peas that are complemented with piquant crispy bulb onion.
- Stewed cabbage with mushrooms
Cabbage stew is a great meatless dish that pairs perfectly with other goodies on the Christmas table. Thanks to dried mushrooms, it becomes even more nourishing and flavorful.
- Pickled ceps
Cep is the king of mushrooms, and marinated ceps are a great appetizer for every taste. A small plate of mushrooms is enough to decorate the Christmas table instantly. With some vinegar, vegetable oil, and onions; and the unique, tasty dish is ready to be served.
- Lean borsch
Lenten borscht is another symbolic and essential dish for the Christmas feast. All regions of Ukraine have their recipe for borsch, so soups may vary in the ingredients they include and the way they taste. The main thing is that the soup should be based on vegetable broth since it is forbidden to eat meat dishes during lent.
- Doughnuts
Doughnuts (pampukhy) are a must-have add-on for borscht. Since there is lenten borscht on your table, it’s a wonderful idea to complement the dish with Ukrainian doughnuts. Garlic flavor and bright greens will add richness to these homemade buns.
- Varenyky
Varenyky are loved and honored no less than Ukrainian borsch. They can have different fillings, the main thing is to shape them like a crescent. Most often at Christmas, Ukrainians cook dumplings with potatoes and cabbage or with cabbage and mushrooms.
- Cabbage rolls
Lenten cabbage rolls are prepared without minced meat. Instead, cereals are used as the basis, for example, rice, buckwheat, barley, millet, or barley. Additionally, vegetables of your choice are added to the filling: eggplants, carrots, mushrooms, etc.
- Stewed beans
Legumes are a source of vegetable protein, which is necessary during fasting. Therefore, stewed beans with vegetables will be a very nutritious dish on the Christmas table, which will not go unnoticed.
- Baked carp
Fish dishes are also present on the Christmas table. You can stew, bake the fish or make an aspic. Housewives often bake a carp with vegetables – this is a simple but rich dish for a festive feast.
- Baked apples
There is always a place for a Christmas dessert at the festive table. You can bake apples with honey and nuts: this dish is lean but very tender and flavorful.
Try to prepare these wonderful Ukrainian meals for Christmas and celebrate this holiday in Ukrainian style!
