Varenyky

Half-moon dumplings of soft dough filled with mashed potato, farmer's cheese, or fruit, boiled and often finished in butter.

Varenyky are one of the oldest and most iconic dishes in Ukrainian cuisine, with roots going back centuries and strong ties to festive and religious occasions, where meatless versions filled with potato, cabbage or cherries were traditionally eaten during periods of fasting. Every region of Ukraine has its preferred fillings, from savory potato and farmer's cheese to sweet versions filled with cherries or blueberries in summer. The dish shares ancestry with similar dumplings found across Central and Eastern Europe, but varenyky holds a particularly central place in Ukrainian home cooking and hospitality.

The dough should be soft and slightly elastic, rolled thin enough to seal well but sturdy enough to hold its filling when boiled. Savory varenyky are traditionally served with a generous amount of fried onion and a dollop of sour cream.