Lithuanian Sweet Cheese Dumplings
Virtinukai su Varške
Tender, delicate dumplings filled with a sweet farmer's cheese mixture, often studded with raisins. These are a comforting and nostalgic dish, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a light dessert, typically served with sour cream and powdered sugar.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2.5 cups All-purpose flour(plus more for dusting)
- 1 tablespoon Granulated sugar (for dough)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt (for dough)
- 0.5 cup Lukewarm water
- 1 large Egg (for dough)
- 200 g Farmer's cheese (curd cheese)(dry-ish and crumbly, full- or half-fat)
- 1 large Egg yolk (for filling)
- 2 tablespoons Granulated sugar (for filling)(or to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon Vanilla extract or paste
- 0.25 cup Raisins or sultanas(optional)
- 20 g Butter(for serving)
- 1 cup Sour cream(for serving)
- 1 to taste Powdered sugar(for serving)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the dough: In a bowl, combine flour, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the lukewarm water and the egg. Mix until a soft dough forms that is not too sticky. Knead for a few minutes until smooth. Wrap in plastic and let rest for 20 minutes.
- 2
Prepare the filling: In a separate bowl, mash the farmer's cheese well with a fork. If it's very dry, you can press it through a sieve. Stir in the egg yolk, 2 tablespoons sugar, vanilla extract, and raisins (if using) until well combined. Chill the filling while you prepare the dough.
💡 Tip: Chilling the filling helps it firm up and makes it easier to handle. - 3
Assemble the dumplings: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 2mm thickness. Cut into desired shapes (squares or circles). Place about a teaspoon of filling in the center of each piece. Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges firmly to seal, ensuring no filling leaks out. You can also form small balls and press your finger in the middle to create a dimple.
💡 Tip: Don't overfill the dumplings. Seal the edges well with a bit of water if needed. - 4
Cook the dumplings: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Gently add the dumplings in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Cook until they float to the surface, then simmer for 3-4 minutes more. Remove with a slotted spoon.
💡 Tip: Cook in batches to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. - 5
Serve: Melt butter in a small saucepan. Toss the cooked dumplings gently in the melted butter. Serve warm, topped with sour cream and a dusting of powdered sugar.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use dry farmer's cheese for the best texture. If it's too moist, the dough might become too sticky.
- ✓The dough should be pliable but not sticky. Adjust flour or water slightly as needed.
- ✓These dumplings can be frozen before cooking. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the boiling time.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a savory version, omit sugar and vanilla from the filling and add herbs like dill or chives.
- Serve with fruit jam or a berry coulis instead of sour cream.
- Experiment with different dried fruits like chopped apricots or cranberries.