Are you ready for a culinary adventure?
It’s time to explore the rich and heartwarming world of Ukrainian cuisine!
Get ready to discover 15 incredible recipes, from savory delights to sweet indulgences, all perfect for bringing a taste of Ukraine into your home.
1. Kutia
Looking for something unique for the holidays? This Ukrainian recipe should suit you well! It’s an incredibly smooth, wonderfully sweet treat that uses wheat berries as the base.
Instead of flour or sugar, the ingredients include honey, raisins, and apricots for a perfect texture. Chopped almonds add protein and make for a wonderful crunch. You can serve it at breakfast or even with dinner.
2. Kiev Cake
Prepare to indulge in one of the most amazing Ukrainian desserts imaginable! It is, without a doubt, sensational. This cake includes layers of both sponge cake and meringue.
This recipe also features chocolate buttercream frosting and strawberry jam. The delightful, crunchy texture is largely thanks to the chopped hazelnuts both inside and on the top of the cake. Even though it takes a lot of work, it is something everyone should experience!
3. Ukrainian Pierogies
There’s no way I’m passing up Ukrainian pierogies! These moon-shaped treats are similar to ravioli and stuffed with potato and cheddar cheese. This is a recipe with staying power that has been passed down through generations.
I’m convinced it’s the best way to begin family traditions! Bacon and cabbage sauteed in butter is wonderful served with perogies.
4. Holubsti
This Ukrainian dish features stuffed cabbage with flavorful ground beef. Holubsti also includes rice and veggies, all smothered in luscious tomato sauce. There is a meatless version, but it’s best with beef.
It’s going to take you a little while to stuff and roll everything. Even though it’s not quick, it is gratifying! It is also reminiscent of something straight from your grandma’s recipe book.
5. Borscht
When in the Ukraine, be sure to have some Borscht! Its complex flavor makes it a wonderful beef stew. To really get it right, you can’t rush it.
However, beginners should have no problem tackling this recipe. For the stock, simmer the pork ribs until they become tender. Once that is complete, you can add the veggies.
6. Kapusta
The best part of Kapusta is its simplicity. It is a cabbage soup that is also really flavorful! Add kielbasa, sauerkraut, and bacon to the broth for more oomph.
A delicious baguette of sourdough is wonderful with it. You can throw this soup together in an hour. If you’re looking for something warming and gratifying, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
7. Pampushky
Consider making this if you’re in the mood for really tasty garlic bread. Pampushky has everything that garlic bread should have!
The rolls themselves are so soft and lightly salted. The amazing infusion of parsley, garlic, and oil gives it a special something. Even a novice can take garlic bread to the next level with this easy recipe.
8. Salo
Try this if you want to eat like a true Ukrainian! Salo is pork fat that has been cured. Bacon lovers should prepare this!
You can use paprika and garlic to season full-fat pork. Also, it can be cured or prepared five different ways. Options include smoking, brining, sauteing, or even wet or dry salting.
Hot brine will give you softer meat. Curing it helps with preservation. Try it with borscht or even on a sandwich.
9. Halushki
Do you have a serious dumpling obsession? If so, you need to give this recipe a try. Each one of these dumplings is a gift from above.
Adding texture and additional flavor can be achieved with a healthy amount of butter, some bacon, and mushrooms. It is a wonderful way to bond with the family as they help you hand roll the dumplings!
10. Nalesniki
Prepare yourself for a real shock. Ukrainians know their way around a crepe and can easily go toe to toe with any other recipe! These are particularly buttery and cheesy, making them exceptionally tasty!
There are a few different ways you can cook your crepes, but the stovetop gives them a perfect texture. Making this recipe is great for the holidays, weddings, Sunday brunch, or pretty much anything else. Your friends will be begging for it!
11. Ukrainian Chicken Kiev
The Ukrainian rendition of chicken is really something special. Each breast of chicken is pounded to perfection before getting a nice slab of garlic butter. Next, it’s battered before frying to crispy perfection.
The outside comes out so crunchy, while the inside is unbelievably juicy. Serve it with minty peas and beets for a complete meal.
12. Kholodets
Do you have an appetite for something popular in Eastern Europe? Then give Kholodets a try! It is a meat dish that uses gelatin and is served with horseradish.
Although it sounds a little out there, it is really good! The recipe includes bone broth, aromatics, beef chuck, pork loin, and a combination of pig’s feet and hock.
You can use store-bought gelatin or go old school and cook the meat for a long time. No matter which approach you take, you’ll find the end result to be tasty and nourishing.
13. Ukrainian Paska
Countless cultures present bread for Easter celebrations, and Paska is what they bake in the Ukraine. It has a wonderful, airy texture that seems to melt right away.
Paska is also a total showstopper due to its shimmering and braided appearance. Although it’s great for Easter, you can also serve it at any get-together you may have.
14. Ukrainian Varenyky
Another Ukrainian take on dumplings, varenyky are incredibly juicy and plump! The handmade process helps give each one character you won’t find anywhere else.
They are also stuffed with delicious potato and sour cream filling. Meat, cheese, and mushrooms all work well, too.
15. Deruny
If you are a huge fan of spuds, you absolutely need to experience Ukrainian potatoes! Deruny is a kind of potato pancake with a crispy outside and a soft inside.
Adding sour cream to the top is an absolute must. Although most often eaten for breakfast, I’m confident they’d be great any time of day.