Ukrainian Halushky with Cheese and Herbs
A comforting and simple dish of boiled dumplings, often served with a savory topping. This version incorporates cheese and fresh herbs into the dough, offering a delightful twist on a traditional staple.

๐ง Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Salt
- 2 tbsp Unsalted butter, melted
- 2 Large eggs
- 0.5-0.75 cup Water, warm
- 1 cup Cottage cheese
- 2 tbsp Fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 tbsp Butter, for serving
- 0.5 cup Sour cream, for serving
๐จโ๐ณ Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, sift together the flour and salt. Make a well in the center.
๐ก Tip: Sifting the flour ensures a lighter dough. - 2
Add the melted butter, eggs, and about half of the warm water to the well. Gradually mix the ingredients together with a fork, incorporating the flour mixture until a shaggy dough forms.
๐ก Tip: Start with less water and add more as needed to achieve the right consistency. - 3
Add the cottage cheese, chopped dill, and chopped parsley to the dough. Knead on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. Add more warm water if the dough is too stiff, or a little more flour if it's too sticky.
๐ก Tip: Kneading develops the gluten, which gives the halushky their chewy texture. - 4
Divide the dough into 6-8 portions. Roll each portion into a long rope about 1/2 inch in diameter. Cut the ropes into 1-inch pieces.
๐ก Tip: You can also roll the dough out to about 1/2 inch thickness and cut into small squares or diamonds. - 5
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully drop the halushky into the boiling water, stirring gently to prevent sticking.
๐ก Tip: Don't overcrowd the pot; cook in batches if necessary. - 6
Cook the halushky for about 8-10 minutes, or until they float to the surface and are cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain well.
๐ก Tip: They will puff up as they cook. - 7
In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the drained halushky and toss gently to coat. Serve hot, topped with a dollop of sour cream.
๐ก Tip: Optional: You can also sautรฉ some onions in the butter before adding the halushky for extra flavor.
๐ก Pro Tips
- โFor a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of sour cream to the dough.
- โIf you don't have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs, but reduce the amount.
- โHalushky can be frozen after boiling and draining. Reheat by boiling briefly or pan-frying.
โจ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add grated cheese like cheddar or farmer's cheese to the dough.
- Incorporate other herbs like chives or mint.
- Serve with fried bacon bits or cracklings for a savory topping.