The Best Ukrainian Recipes for Cold Winter Days

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Winter in Ukraine can be harsh, with long nights and freezing temperatures. To combat the cold, traditional Ukrainian cuisine offers hearty, warming dishes that provide comfort and nourishment. These meals are rich in flavors, often slow-cooked, and made with ingredients that sustain energy during the cold season. This article explores some of the best Ukrainian recipes perfect for winter, from soups and stews to baked goods and hearty sides.

Borscht: The Iconic Ukrainian Winter Soup

Borscht is perhaps the most famous Ukrainian dish and a staple during winter. This deep-red beet soup is packed with vitamins and nutrients, making it ideal for keeping warm and healthy during cold days.

Traditional Borscht Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 large beets, peeled and grated
  • 1 large carrot, grated
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 potatoes, diced
  • 300g beef or pork (optional)
  • 1/2 small cabbage, shredded
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 liter beef or vegetable broth
  • 2 tbsp vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh dill and sour cream for serving

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, bring the broth to a boil. Add the meat (if using) and cook until tender, skimming off any foam that forms.
  2. In a pan, sauté the onions and carrots until soft. Add the tomato paste and cook for another minute.
  3. Add grated beets to the pan and stir in vinegar to preserve their vibrant color. Cook for 5 minutes.
  4. Add potatoes and bay leaf to the broth. Cook for 10 minutes before adding cabbage and the sautéed vegetables.
  5. Let the soup simmer for another 15-20 minutes. Add garlic, salt, and pepper to taste.
  6. Remove from heat and let it sit for a few hours for the flavors to deepen. Serve hot with fresh dill and a spoonful of sour cream.

Kapusniak: Ukrainian Sauerkraut Soup

Kapusniak is a traditional winter soup made with fermented cabbage (sauerkraut), potatoes, and smoked meats. The tangy and smoky flavors create a perfect balance for cold-weather comfort.

Kapusniak Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 500g sauerkraut, rinsed and drained
  • 2 potatoes, diced
  • 1 carrot, grated
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 200g smoked bacon or ham, diced
  • 1 liter pork or vegetable broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp caraway seeds
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, cook the bacon or ham until crispy. Remove excess fat.
  2. Add the onions and carrots, sautéing until soft.
  3. Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer. Add sauerkraut, potatoes, bay leaf, and caraway seeds.
  4. Let simmer for 40 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the flavors blend.
  5. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.

Holubtsi: Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Holubtsi are traditional cabbage rolls filled with rice and meat, slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce. This dish is a winter favorite, providing warmth and deep, comforting flavors.

Holubtsi Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 large cabbage
  • 500g ground pork or beef
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Sour cream for serving

Instructions:

  1. Boil the whole cabbage for a few minutes until the leaves soften. Carefully peel off the leaves.
  2. Mix ground meat, cooked rice, onions, garlic, salt, and paprika.
  3. Place a spoonful of filling into each cabbage leaf, fold in the sides, and roll tightly.
  4. Arrange the rolls in a pot, layering them. Pour tomato sauce and broth over the top.
  5. Simmer covered for 1.5 to 2 hours until tender. Serve with sour cream.

Deruny: Crispy Ukrainian Potato Pancakes

Deruny are golden, crispy potato pancakes, perfect for winter breakfasts or as a side dish for hearty meals. They are simple, delicious, and satisfying.

Deruny Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 4 large potatoes, grated
  • 1 small onion, grated
  • 1 egg
  • 3 tbsp flour
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Oil for frying
  • Sour cream for serving

Instructions:

  1. Mix grated potatoes, onion, egg, flour, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  2. Heat oil in a frying pan. Drop spoonfuls of batter and flatten slightly.
  3. Fry until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels.
  4. Serve hot with sour cream.

Varenyky: Ukrainian Dumplings for Winter Nights

Varenyky are Ukrainian dumplings filled with various ingredients, from potatoes and cheese to mushrooms and meats. In winter, hearty fillings make them a perfect meal.

Varenyky Recipe

Ingredients for Dough:

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Ingredients for Potato Filling:

  • 3 large potatoes, mashed
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • 1 onion, caramelized

Instructions:

  1. Mix flour, water, egg, and salt to form a soft dough. Let rest for 30 minutes.
  2. Roll out dough and cut into circles.
  3. Place a spoonful of potato filling on each circle, fold, and seal the edges.
  4. Boil in salted water until they float. Serve hot with butter and sour cream.

Kutia: Traditional Ukrainian Christmas Porridge

Kutia is a sweet, rich porridge made with wheat berries, honey, poppy seeds, and nuts, traditionally eaten on Christmas Eve. It is packed with nutrients and a perfect winter dessert.

Kutia Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup wheat berries
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 1/4 cup poppy seeds
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/4 cup raisins
  • 1/2 cup warm water

Instructions:

  1. Cook wheat berries in water until tender. Drain.
  2. Soak poppy seeds in hot water for 10 minutes, then drain.
  3. Mix wheat, honey, poppy seeds, nuts, and raisins. Add warm water to loosen.
  4. Serve at room temperature.

Final Thoughts

Ukrainian winter cuisine is all about warmth, nourishment, and deep flavors. From the rich borscht and hearty holubtsi to crispy deruny and comforting varenyky, these dishes are perfect for cold days. Rooted in tradition, these recipes not only provide warmth but also bring families together around the table, making winter in Ukraine a season of rich flavors and cherished memories.

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