Varenyky are Ukrainian filled dumplings, and the potato-and-cheese version is a comforting classic for family tables and celebrations.
A soft dough wraps a creamy potato filling, while browned onions and fresh dill bring sweetness, richness, and freshness to the plate.
Keep the dough covered while shaping. A dry surface makes the edges harder to seal and can lead to dumplings opening in the pot.
Serving Suggestions
Serve varenyky with sour cream, caramelized onions, dill, and a little browned butter.
Recipe Notes
Freeze uncooked dumplings in a single layer, then transfer them to a bag. Boil from frozen and add a minute or two to the cooking time.
Ukrainian Varenyky with Potato and Cheese
Tender Ukrainian dumplings filled with creamy potato and cheese, served with caramelized onions and sour cream.
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Rolling Pin
- Round cutter
- Large pot
- Slotted spoon
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
- 1 tsp fine salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 large egg
Potato filling and serving
- 1 1/2 lb potatoes peeled and cubed
- 8 oz farmer cheese or dry cottage cheese
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter divided
- 1 large yellow onion thinly sliced
- 1 cup sour cream for serving
- 2 tbsp fresh dill chopped
Instructions
Make the dough:
- Mix the flour and salt in a bowl.
- Add the warm water and egg and knead until smooth.
- Cover and rest the dough for 30 minutes.
Make the filling:
- Boil the potatoes until tender, then drain and mash.
- Stir in the cheese and season with salt.
- Cook the onion slowly in 1 tablespoon of butter until deeply golden.
Shape and boil:
- Roll the dough thin and cut rounds with a 3-inch cutter.
- Place a spoonful of filling in each round, fold over, and pinch the edges firmly closed.
- Boil the varenyky in salted water in batches until they float, then cook for 2 minutes more.
- Lift them out with a slotted spoon and toss with the remaining butter and onions.
- Serve with sour cream and dill.
Notes
- Do not overfill the dumplings.
- Press out air before sealing the edges.
- Freeze uncooked varenyky on a floured tray if making them ahead.
Nutrition
Calories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 72gProtein: 16gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 620mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5g