Varenyky with Cherries
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Varenyky with cherries, a traditional Ukrainian dessert, is a delightful representation of the Ukrainian love for sweet, fruit-filled dumplings.
These tender, plump dumplings, filled with juicy cherries and often dusted with powdered sugar, or served with honey offer a delightful burst of sweetness balanced by a subtle tartness that creates a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that make Ukrainian cherry dumplings a beloved treat.
Ingredients
- 1 lb flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup of hot boiling water
- 10 oz. cherries
- 3 oz. sugar
- 2 tablespoons starch (corn or potato)
- salt
Instructions
Step 1
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center of the flour and gradually pour the boiling water into the well, stirring continuously. Continue kneading until the dough gets cool. Mix the eggs into the dough and knead it on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover it with a clean cloth and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
Step 2
Meanwhile, the dough is resting, prepare the filling. In a separate bowl, combine the pitted cherries with sugar. Mix and let it sit for a few minutes until the sugar starts to draw out the juices. Stir in some starch to thicken the filling.
Step 3
Roll out the rested dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles.
Step 4
Place a small spoonful of the cherry filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape and seal the edges by pressing them together. Ensure there are no openings.
Step 5
Boil the water in a pot with a pinch of salt. Carefully drop the varenyky into the boiling water, stirring gently. Cook until they float to the surface.
Step 6
Serve with sour cream and/ or honey.
Variations
If you have experience working with dough and want to challenge yourself, you can try to avoid using starch. In this case, do not mix cherries with sugar, you will do inside varenyk while assembling. In the center of the dough circle put some cherries and half-teaspoon of sugar and close quickly. You need to make all the varenyks quickly before the cherries start releasing the juice. Then cook them in boiling water and enjoy an amazingly juicy filling.