Varenyky with Potato and Mushroom Filling
Varenyky are traditional Ukrainian dumplings with a soft, unleavened dough, filled with a savory mixture of mashed potatoes and sautéed mushrooms. They are typically boiled and served with sour cream, fried onions, or butter.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 cups All-purpose flour
- 1.5 tsp Salt
- 1/4 cup Sour cream
- 1/2 tsp Baking soda
- 1/2 cup Water
- 18 ounces Potatoes(peeled and boiled until tender)
- 1/4 cup Butter
- 2 medium Onions(finely diced)
- 3.5 cups Button mushrooms(finely chopped)
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
For the dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. In a separate bowl, stir together sour cream and baking soda. Add water to the flour mixture and blend in, followed by the sour cream mixture. Knead into a smooth dough, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes.
- 2
For the filling: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until browned, about 5-10 minutes. Add chopped mushrooms and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
- 3
Mash the boiled potatoes until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the sautéed onion and mushroom mixture.
- 4
Divide the dough into 4 portions. Roll each portion into a 1/2-inch thick rope, then cut into 1/2-inch pieces. Flatten each piece into a small circle. Place about 1 teaspoon of filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and seal the edges tightly.
- 5
Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Add the varenyky in batches and cook until they float to the surface, about 3 minutes. Cook for 2-3 minutes more.
- 6
Remove varenyky from water with a slotted spoon and serve immediately with sour cream, butter, or fried onions.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the dough is elastic and does not stick to your hands.
- ✓Don't overcook the varenyky, as the filling may escape the dough.
- ✓For a vegetarian version, omit any meat products and ensure your broth is vegetable-based.
- ✓Varenyky can be frozen before or after boiling. If freezing uncooked, place them on a floured baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the boiling time.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the potato filling for extra flavor.
- Serve with crispy fried bacon bits (shkvarki) or caramelized onions.
- Experiment with different mushroom varieties, such as porcini or shiitake.