Cuisine
Ukrainian recipes
Ukrainian recipes capture the heartwarming flavours of Eastern Europe, from golden Kotleti po-Kyivsky with its buttery filling to tender Kyiv-Style Baked Apples scented with honey and spice. Families reach for these dishes during Sunday gatherings, festive celebrations and when they want to honour their heritage through food that connects generations. The recipes in this collection come straight from real family kitchens, where grandmothers and parents have passed down their methods for creating the comforting stews, dumplings, preserves and baked goods that define Ukrainian home cooking.
3 recipes preserved by Recipe Filer cooks. Free to read, free to share.
Ukrainian cooking questions
What are the most popular traditional Ukrainian dishes to try at home?
Classic Ukrainian dishes include borscht (beetroot soup), varenyky (dumplings), holubtsi (stuffed cabbage rolls), kotleti po-Kyivsky (chicken Kyiv), and deruny (potato pancakes). Syrniki (cheese fritters) and Kyiv-style baked apples make excellent desserts. These dishes showcase Ukraine's rich culinary heritage and are surprisingly achievable for home cooks.
Can I freeze Ukrainian varenyky and borscht for later use?
Yes, both freeze exceptionally well. Freeze uncooked varenyky on trays before transferring to bags; cook from frozen when needed. Borscht freezes for up to three months in airtight containers. Cool completely before freezing, and add fresh smetana (sour cream) when serving. Defrost borscht in the fridge overnight.
What can I substitute for smetana in Ukrainian recipes?
Full-fat soured cream or crème fraîche work brilliantly as smetana substitutes in Ukrainian cooking. Greek yoghurt mixed with double cream creates a similar tangy richness. For dairy-free alternatives, cashew cream blended with lemon juice approximates the flavour, though the taste differs slightly from traditional smetana.
