What is Ukrainian Food?
While the food is distinct, it also derives its influences from centuries of traditions passed on by neighboring countries, weather and creativity of its local people of course. These dishes incorporate both European and Slavic influences‚a result of years of foreign influences. Ukranian food is usually big on garlicky flavors, and while most of the food is predominantly meat-centric, there are plenty of vegetarian-friendly options too. Perhaps the most distinct feature of the Ukrainian cuisine is its complex heating process. Most of the food is double cooked: first fried/boiled and then stewed/heated, leading to a unique texture. Generally referred to as the “breadbasket of Europe,” the country relies heavily on the use of wheat and wheat products. Typical Ukrainian food makes uses of the many grain resources that country has, along with hearty vegetables like potatoes, beetroot, carrot and mushrooms. Cabbage is another vegetable that features in many comfort meals. Many ingredients also hail from the rich dark soil (chernozem) they have, that add on to the nutrition components of the meals. Cottage cheese is widely used in desserts.
Most Popular Ukrainian Recipes
Borscht
Ukrainian dishes often use a number of ingredients. For example, commonly referred to as the national dish of Ukraine, Borscht was made of 30 ingredients! Over time that number has decreased, but the technique remains unchanged. Beef or fish may be used, and its vegan-friendly too!
Halushki
Hałuski are dumplings are made with a potato dough, which is sometimes mixed with dry curd cheese or drained cottage cheese. Some also add smoked ham, or ground pork and sour cream. It’s a versatile dish that can be a side or main course.
Piroshki
Pirozhki are Russian and Ukrainian baked or fried yeast-leavened, boat-shaped buns with a variety of fillings and one of the very popular street foods!
Vareniki
Vareniki (or Varenyky) is a staple dish in Ukrainian cuisine. They are half-moon shaped dumplings that are boiled in salted water. Vareniki fillings may vary, but the most common version is the potato version.
Ukrainian Garlic Bread (Pampushky)
The word pampushka can be used to describe a gorgeous plump woman, which is what inspired these fluffy rolls!
Chicken Kyiv
This is a hearty is a dish made of chicken fillet pounded and rolled around cold butter then coated with egg and bread crumbs, and either fried or baked.
Pyrizhky
Pyrizhky, Piroshki, Pirozhki, Sauerkraut balls—whatever you know them as—these little buns filled with bacon and sauerkraut are SUPER addictive!
Kutya
Kutia (Kutya) is a traditional Christmas wheat berry pudding. It is popular in Ukraine and various other parts of Eastern Europe, usually served on Christmas Eve.
Syriniki
In addition to cheese, these may also be filled with ground meat, potato or fruit!
Pickled Watermelons
This type of spread is known as zakuski, which translates to “something to bite after.” Zakuski are essentially snacks that are meant to be eaten while drinking shots of vodka or other alcohol. https://www.tiktok.com/@mila.alien/video/6950132552371866885?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id7016901698896774661
Golubsti (Cabbage Rolls)
Pronounced “golubtsy”or “goloobsti," this stuffed cabbage is something every Ukrainian household makes.
Cottage Cheese Pancakes
The addition of cottage cheese just makes the pancakes so fluffy, light and creamy!
Babka
A babka is a sweet braided bread or cake which originated in the Jewish communities of Poland, Russia and Ukraine. This delicious version includes chocolate, so you can’t go wrong with it! https://www.tiktok.com/@a.bake.and.cake/video/7060489131394108673?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id7016901698896774661
Nalysnyky (Ukrainian Crepes)
Inspired by the classic French crepes, these are light, soft and a great vehicle for any savory or sweet filling. What’s your favorite Ukrainian-inspired recipe? Next: How to Help Ukraine and Ukrainian Refugees as Russia Invades
