My Favourite Simple Ukrainian Recipes
Today I’m sharing a handful of cherished Ukrainian recipes that anyone can prepare at home. It’s a humble cuisine that is steeped in tradition, rooted in love and shared with pride.
Over the past year, we have borne witness to the pain and suffering of the Ukrainian men, women and children as they have endured a senseless war. I couldn’t let this day pass – one year since the invasion – without acknowledging that I indeed #StandwithUkraine.
As a borscht-cooking, varenyky-pinching member of the Ukrainian diaspora, I’m honoured to share the food of my mother’s heritage with you. These recipes are just a taste of the vibrant food culture of the vast country of Ukraine.
And so, please read on for recipes for nourishing soups and comforting breads, festive baking and simple dinners.
Borscht, Paska and Varenyky
In our family, we have three favourite recipes that connect us to our Ukrainian heritage: Borscht, Paska and Varenyky. They are all fantastic cold weather foods, made with simple ingredients that I always have on hand.
I currently have a stash of borscht and varenyky in my freezer… and we are getting closer to Easter, which means…Paska bread!
Borscht
What is the most famous Ukrainian dish? It has to be Borscht, the nourishing beet-based soup that is made in hundreds of ways, in every region of Ukraine.
In 2022 UNESCO made it official – Borscht is an essential part of Ukrainian culture and heritage. I love how it is endlessly adaptable – featuring beef, pork, fish (yes!) or simply vegetables. Just don’t forget that dollop of sour cream on top.
Paska: Ukrainian Easter Bread
Paska is a traditional Ukrainian bread enjoyed in the weeks leading up to Easter, the country’s biggest religious holiday. It’s a lightly-sweetened, lighter-that-air loaf that is decorated with a glaze.
My version is adapted from Olia Hercules, which has a mashed potato starter and a grating of orange zest. I find the starter helps to keep the bread soft and fresh for days…although it never lasts very long in our house.
An intangible part of Ukraine’s culture, this celebration bread is made in large batches – enough to give some away to friends and family. Readers are already writing me about making (and freezing) this Paska bread for their Easter celebrations, so I know they are planning to include it in holiday baking.
Varenyky (potato dumplings)
I’m still perfecting my version of Varenyky, those delicate potato-stuffed dumplings that are beloved the world ’round. You may also know them as pierogi, perogies, pyrogy… and various other spellings. We call all agree that they are delicious.
My family loves them so much, that I always include them in the homemade varenyky process; we are getting plenty of practice with rolling and shaping.
For now, I am relying on tried and true recipes from Olia’s Mamushka and Anna’s Budmo! cookbooks. You can watch Olia give a Varenyky cooking demo to get an idea of how they are shaped and cooked.
More Simple Ukrainian Recipes
Nourishing soups and comforting breads
Vegan Borscht : Simple Bites – A classic! Serve it with pull-apart Pampushki, and a side of fried kielbasa.
Mom’s Homemade Buns : The Recipe Rebel ~ Fluffy dinner rolls for any occasion.
Ukrainian Cabbage Roll Soup : The Kitchen Magpie – All the flavours of this beloved dish in a simple soup.
Garlic Bread Wreath with Baked Brie : Simple Bites – My take on Ukrainian Pampushki, those soft and spongy pull-apart garlic rolls that are served with every bowl of borsht.
Mains
Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole : The Kitchen Magpie ~ For when you love the flavours of traditional cabbage rolls, but lack the time to execute, this comforting all-in-one casserole comes to the rescue.
Perogies and Sausage Skillet : The Recipe Rebel
Ukrainian Style Cream Dill Potatoes : The Kitchen Magpie
Roast Leg of Lamb with Lemon and Shallots : Simple Bites
Roasted Beet and Garlic Pasta : Simple Bites
‘Budmo’ Crimean Beef Stew : Adapted from Budmo!: Recipes from a Ukrainian Kitchen by Anna Voloshyna.
Dessert & Celebrations
Paska: Ukrainian Easter Bread : Simple Bites
Ukrainian Cheesecake (Tvorog Zapekanka) : Anna Voloshyna
Chocolate Beet Snack Cake : Simple Bites
Baked Apples with Ricotta and Raisins : Olia Hercules via Guardian Food
Easter bread with apples and a poppyseed and pecan paste : Olia Hercules
Wait, There’s More!
Watch:
Documentary: Borsch. The Secret Ingredient
Drama: Bucha
Read:
Home Food: Olia Hercules reflects on her life in 100 recipes from Ukraine and beyond Via The National Post. With recipes!
Anna Voloshyna – Anna’s website is my go to for Ukrainian recipes and food culture.
Donate: #CookforUkraine
Once again, I am partnering with Olia Hercules, Alissa Timoshkina and hundreds of cooks and bakers around the world in their Cook for Ukraine movement.
I respectfully ask that if you use any of these free recipes, and are able to spare some money, please make a donation to our fundraiser.
“We hope that through the #CookForUKRAINE campaign we will not only be able to raise much-needed money for UNICEF, The Legacy of War Foundation and #ChooseLove’s Ukraine Appeal, we will also increase awareness of the plight of children in the war-torn country. Through cooking, sharing recipes and the power of social media, we invite everyone to help make a difference and positive contribution towards this important initiative.”
– The #CookForUKRAINE Team
All proceeds will be directed to UNICEF UK’s Ukraine appeal, supporting children and families.
Thank you! ~ Aimée
