Varenyky are more than just a dish; they are a beloved symbol of Ukrainian culture and traditions that many Ukrainians have cherished throughout generations. These delightful Ukrainian cheese dumplings, particularly varenyky with farmers cheese, hold a special place in our hearts and kitchens.
As we explore the flavors of this cottage cheese dumplings recipe, we invite you to join us in making these tender dumplings filled with creamy cheese and fresh herbs. This recipe not only celebrates Ukrainian food, but also encourages a deeper appreciation for our culinary heritage. Learn how to make varenyky from scratch and create your own homemade varenyky that capture the essence of our traditions.
In this article, we will guide you through creating perfect Ukrainian cuisine recipes that will evoke nostalgia and warmth. By incorporating ingredients like dill and spring onions, this dish is not only delicious but also a reflection of the vibrant flavors of Ukraine.
The versatility of this recipe allows for variations; you can substitute or add ingredients to make your dumplings uniquely yours. Whether enjoyed at family gatherings or special occasions, these dumplings are sure to impress.
Today we’re going to cook yummy dumplings with soft, moist cottage cheese filling with green herbs. You can replace 1/3 of the cottage cheese with brynza (Ukrainian brine cheese) or regular, semi-hard grated cheese if you want. The filling will also taste excellent and unusual. But remember that in that case, it is better not to salt the stuffing because brynza is already salty. You can add finely chopped smoked ham to the filling to give your dumplings a smoky taste.
Ingredients:
Dough
(for approximately 50 small dumplings)
- 500 g of wheat flour
- 300 ml of water
- 50 gr of dairy butter
- 1/2 tsp of salt
Filling
- 750 g cottage cheese (curd)
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 big bunch of dill
- 1 big bunch of spring onion
For serving
- dairy butter
- sour cream
- spring onions
Cooking
How to cook the dough
Put the flour in a large bowl, add salt, and mix well. Bring water and dairy butter to a boil in a small saucepan.
Pour hot “mixture” into the dough in a thin stream, stirring constantly. If you mix by hand, then use a large wooden spoon. If you use a mixer, then choose a “hook” nozzle.
Mix thoroughly until smooth. If you knead the dough by hand, then after mixing the dough with a wooden spoon, wait for a little and let the dough cool down a little. Then knead it well with your hands. If the dough sticks to your hands, add a little more flour. It all depends on the moisture content of the flour.
Shape the dough into a ball and cover with a damp towel. Leave the dough to rest for 30-60 minutes. After the mentioned time, you can start molding your dumplings.
How to make the filling
To make the filling, rinse dill and green onions. Chop them finely. Combine cottage cheese, chopped herbs, and salt in a deep bowl. Beat in eggs. Mix everything thoroughly.
How to fold dumplings
Roll out the dough thinly and cut out circles with a lightly floured round cookie cutter or glass. Put about 2 tsp of the filling in the middle of the circle (or more or a little less, depending on the circle size). Fold over and seal by pressing the corners together firmly. Place the shaped dumpling on a tray or board covered with a paper towel or sprinkled with flour. Repeat until you fold all dumplings.
Tip: Cover folded dumplings with a damp kitchen towel or cling film not to let them dry out.
Dip dumplings into a large amount of salted boiling water, reboil the water, and stir the dumplings often while boiling until cooked (about 10 minutes).
Drain the boiled dumplings with cottage cheese and herbs and immediately top them generously with melted dairy butter.
Put the dumplings in a serving dish, sprinkle with chopped spring onions, and serve with fresh, chilled sour cream.
Enjoy tasty Ukrainian dumplings with salted cottage cheese filling!
Cooking varenyky with cottage cheese is a wonderful way to connect with Ukrainian culture and traditions. This dish embodies the love and warmth of home-cooked meals, perfect for sharing with family and friends. With this cottage cheese dumplings recipe, you can create an authentic taste of Ukraine right in your kitchen. So roll up your sleeves, gather your loved ones, and enjoy the process of making these delightful Ukrainian cheese dumplings together.
If you would like to discover one more delicious recipe for dumplings with potato, you are welcome to enjoy the recipe.
