10+ Ukrainian Recipes to Warm Your Heart and Home

Ukrainian cuisine offers a rich variety of flavors and hearty dishes that reflect the country’s traditions and culture. Exploring these recipes can bring a taste of Ukraine into your kitchen, allowing you to enjoy food that is often made with love and care. From comforting soups to delicious pastries, there are many options to discover.

Whether you are seeking simple weeknight dinners or special meals for gatherings, Ukrainian recipes deliver comfort and satisfaction. By trying out these recipes, you can expand your cooking skills while enjoying delightful meals that honor a beautiful heritage.

1) Borscht Soup

Borscht soup is a famous Ukrainian dish known for its vibrant color and rich flavor. It is primarily made with beets, giving it a distinct purple hue. Common ingredients also include cabbage, potatoes, carrots, and garlic.

To make this soup, you will often start by cooking meat, like pork or beef, for added depth of flavor. You can serve borscht hot with a dollop of sour cream and fresh dill on top.

Ingredients

• 3 medium beets, peeled and grated
• 1 cup cabbage, chopped
• 2 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 medium carrot, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound beef or pork, cut into pieces
• 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh dill for garnish
• Sour cream for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add meat and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add garlic, beets, cabbage, carrots, and potatoes.
4. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve hot with sour cream and dill.

2) Varenyky (Ukrainian Dumplings)

Varenyky are delicious Ukrainian dumplings that you can fill with various ingredients. The most common fillings include potatoes, cheese, or mushrooms. They can be served boiled or pan-fried for extra flavor.

To make varenyky, you start with a simple dough made from flour and water. Once you roll it out, you can cut it into circles. Then, place your chosen filling inside each circle and fold them into half-moons.

These dumplings are often served with sour cream and fresh herbs. They are beloved throughout Ukraine and are perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 cup mashed potatoes
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• Salt to taste
• Sour cream for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix flour and salt.
2. Add the egg and water, knead into dough.
3. Roll out the dough and cut circles.
4. Place filling in the center of each circle.
5. Fold and seal the edges tightly.
6. Boil in salted water for 5-7 minutes.
7. Serve with sour cream.

3) Chicken Kyiv

Chicken Kyiv is a popular dish known for its crispy coating and rich, buttery filling. This dish features chicken breasts that are stuffed with a mixture of garlic and herbs. The butter melts during cooking, creating a flavorful sauce.

To make Chicken Kyiv, you will need a few basic ingredients. First, you’ll want to pound the chicken breasts to get them nice and flat. Then, prepare your herbed butter and fill the chicken with it before coating it in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs.

This dish is usually baked or fried until golden brown. The perfect Chicken Kyiv is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pound the chicken breasts until flat.
3. Mix softened butter with garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Place butter mixture in the center of each chicken breast.
5. Fold the chicken around the filling and secure it with toothpicks.
6. Dredge each chicken piece in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs.
7. Heat oil in a pan and fry until golden brown.
8. Transfer to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes.

4) Holubtsi (Stuffed Cabbage Rolls)

Holubtsi are delicious Ukrainian stuffed cabbage rolls. They are made by wrapping tender cabbage leaves around a flavorful filling. The filling usually contains a mix of ground beef or pork, rice, and spices.

These rolls are often served in a tasty tomato sauce, making them even more comforting. You can also add vegetables like mushrooms and onions for extra flavor.

Holubtsi are great for family gatherings and special occasions. By making these rolls, you’ll bring a little piece of Ukrainian tradition to your table.

Ingredients

• 1 large head of cabbage
• 1 pound (450 g) ground beef or pork
• 1 cup (200 g) rice, uncooked
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups (480 ml) tomato sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil the cabbage for 5-10 minutes until leaves are soft.
2. In a bowl, mix the meat, rice, onion, salt, and pepper.
3. Fill each cabbage leaf with the mixture and roll tightly.
4. Place rolls in a baking dish and cover with tomato sauce.
5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour.

5) Paska (Easter Bread)

Paska is a traditional Ukrainian Easter bread that is rich in flavor and often decorated beautifully. This sweet bread is made with eggs, milk, and sugar, resulting in a soft and airy texture. It is commonly enjoyed during Easter celebrations with family and friends.

Making Paska is a wonderful activity to share with loved ones. The dough is typically braided or shaped into intricate designs before baking. It’s often sprinkled with powdered sugar or a sweet glaze after cooling.

Ingredients

• 2 cups warm milk
• 6 eggs
• 1 Tbsp yeast
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 sticks melted butter
• 1 tsp salt
• 6 cups flour
• Raisins (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the warm milk, eggs, yeast, sugar, and melted butter.
2. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic.
4. Let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
5. Shape the dough into loaves and place in baking pans.
6. Let the loaves rise again.
7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes or until golden brown.

6) Deruny (Potato Pancakes)

Deruny, also known as potato pancakes, are a popular Ukrainian dish. They are delicious, crispy, and easy to make. You can enjoy them as a snack or a side dish.

To make deruny, you’ll need grated potatoes and onions mixed with eggs and flour. This mixture is then fried until golden brown. They are often served with sour cream, which adds a nice tangy flavor.

These pancakes are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You can customize them by adding herbs or spices to suit your taste.

Ingredients

• 5 medium potatoes (about 1.5 lb / 680 g)
• 1 onion
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sour cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Grate the potatoes and onion into a bowl.
2. Add the egg, flour, sour cream, and salt. Mix well.
3. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
4. Scoop spoonfuls of the mix into the pan, flattening them slightly.
5. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
6. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

7) Nalysnyky (Ukrainian Crepes)

Nalysnyky are delicious Ukrainian crepes that are often filled with cheese and herbs. They are light and fluffy, making them a favorite comfort food.

You can fill these crepes with cottage cheese and dill for a traditional taste. Some people also enjoy adding mushrooms or other fillings.

Once filled, the crepes are usually baked in cream until they are golden and puffy. This dish can be served as a main course or a tasty side.

Ingredients

• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 6 tablespoons cold water
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups cottage cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill (optional)
• Cream for baking

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix eggs, milk, and cold water.
2. Gradually add flour and salt, stirring until smooth.
3. Cook thin crepes in a lightly greased pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
4. Fill each crepe with cottage cheese and dill, then roll them up.
5. Place filled crepes in a baking dish and pour cream over them.
6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes until golden.

8) Kapusniak (Cabbage Soup)

Kapusniak is a traditional Ukrainian cabbage soup that is hearty and comforting. It’s perfect for warming you up during cold days. This soup is usually made with sauerkraut, potatoes, and meat, making it both filling and flavorful.

You can customize it by adding different vegetables or grains. The sour taste from the sauerkraut gives it a unique twist that’s very enjoyable.

It’s simple to make and great for sharing with family.

9) Pampushky (Garlic Bread Rolls)

Pampushky are delightful Ukrainian garlic bread rolls. They are soft, fluffy, and packed with flavor. Traditionally served with borscht, they pair well with many soups and stews.

To make pampushky, you will start with a yeast dough. Once baked, you generously coat them with a garlic and herb oil. This gives them a rich, savory taste that everyone loves.

They are perfect as a side dish or as a tasty snack any time. You and your family will enjoy making and eating these delicious rolls.

Ingredients

• 15 grams fresh yeast or 7 grams dried active yeast
• 1 teaspoon caster sugar
• 225 milliliters warm water
• 400 grams strong white flour
• 50 milliliters sunflower oil
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh herbs (like parsley or dill)
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for about 10 minutes.
2. Mix in flour and salt, then knead until smooth.
3. Add sunflower oil and continue kneading.
4. Let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
5. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
6. Shape the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
8. Mix minced garlic with herbs and spread over warm rolls.

10) Kutia (Wheat Berry Pudding)

Kutia is a traditional Ukrainian dish made with wheat berries. It is often served during special occasions, especially Christmas Eve.

To make kutia, you start by soaking the wheat berries overnight. This helps soften them for cooking.

You will mix these with poppy seeds, nuts, and sweeten it with honey. Dried fruits can also be added for extra flavor.

Here are the ingredients you will need:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups wheat berries
• 1 ½ cups poppy seeds
• 2 cups walnuts, toasted
• Honey to taste
• Optional: dried fruits like raisins

Cooking Instructions:

1. Soak the wheat berries overnight in water.
2. Drain and simmer the wheat in fresh water for 2-4 hours until soft.
3. Stir in poppy seeds and chopped walnuts.
4. Sweeten with honey and mix in dried fruits if desired.