Vareniki Recipe – Russian Special
Vareniki are a cherished part of Ukrainian cuisine and a staple in Eastern European food culture. These pierogi-style dumplings are made with homemade dough and can be filled with a variety of sweet or savory fillings, from creamy potatoes and cheese to juicy cherries. This traditional recipe produces soft, pillowy dumplings that are boiled until tender, sometimes lightly pan-fried, and served with sour cream or butter. Perfect for family gatherings or festive meals, Vareniki bring comfort and nostalgia to the table.
- Prep Time40 min
- Cook Time20 min
- Total Time1 hr
For the Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup warm water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp oil (optional, for softer dough)
For the Filling (Savory Potato & Cheese):
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and boiled
- 1 cup farmer’s cheese or ricotta
- 1 small onion, finely chopped and sautéed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Alternative Fillings:
- sweetened cherries, cabbage, mushrooms, cottage cheese, or sweet cheese.
Vareniki Instructions:
Combine flour and salt in a bowl; make a well, add egg and warm water, and knead into a smooth, elastic dough.
Cover and let rest for 20–30 minutes.
Mash boiled potatoes; mix with cheese, sautéed onions, salt, and pepper to create the filling.
Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 2 mm thickness.
Cut circles using a round cutter or glass.
Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle; fold and seal edges tightly.
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil; gently drop vareniki in batches.
Cook until they float to the top, then simmer for 2–3 more minutes.
Remove with a slotted spoon; toss with butter or sauté lightly for a golden finish.
Serve hot with sour cream, melted butter, or sautéed onions.
Recipe Notes :
Filling Variations: Choose from savory potato and cheese, cabbage, mushrooms, or sweet fillings like cherries and sweet cheese for authentic flavor.
Sealing Technique: Pinch the edges firmly to ensure the dumplings stay sealed during boiling.
Freezing Tips: Uncooked vareniki freeze well — lay them individually on a tray before transferring to bags, and boil straight from frozen.
Serving Suggestion: Enjoy savory dumplings with sour cream and sautéed onions, or serve sweet ones with sugar, cream, or fruit syrup.
Texture Tip: For extra flavor, pan-fry boiled vareniki in butter until golden.
