Ukraine is an Eastern European country, bordering Russia to the east and Belarus to the north. It is the second largest country in Eastern Europe, with a population of around 22 million people. It is known as the Breadbasket of Europe because the majority of its traditional dishes are based on grain resources like rye, and staple vegetables including potatoes, cabbages and mushrooms.
Its cuisine is also heavily influenced by the rich dark soil called chornozem, as well as the Slavic traditions and European influences that have impacted it over the centuries. This mixture of influences has created a unique and delicious cuisine with a variety of unique regional dishes.
The Ukrainian kitchen is a mix of many different cultures and traditions, but most of the cuisine focuses on fresh and local ingredients. It is also very simple and easy to cook.
One of the most popular dishes is Varenyky, or dumplings. They are usually filled with vegetables, meat, cheese, and sauerkraut. They are a favorite of many Ukrainians, and are commonly served at small villages or food festivals.
They are incredibly light and fluffy, so they make for a great breakfast with a cup of coffee. They are also a great choice for a meal with a salad or soup.
Traditionally, this dish was made from non-render pork fatback that had been cured and then wrapped in a thin layer of pork rind. It is a very popular and tasty Ukrainian dish that is often served during New Year’s Eve.
Holodets (also known as holidye, hladny, or holodnyi) is a Ukrainian dish that is served in the middle of the table. The dish consists of a meat broth with the meat retained. It is boiled and then mixed with onions, garlic, carrots, bay leaves and black pepper. The holodets is then put in the fridge to congeal.
Another classic Ukrainian dish is kapusniak, a soup that is eaten throughout the year. It is a popular wedding and funeral dish, and is also enjoyed at Christmas dinners.
The kapusniak recipe is relatively simple, but it takes some time to prepare the soup. The key ingredient is sauerkraut, which needs to be thoroughly washed before it can be incorporated into the soup.
Some Ukrainians serve it as an appetizer, while others eat it with their main course. It is also a very popular lunch and snack item, as it is easy to take on the go.
Deruny, or potato pancakes, are a common side dish in most Ukrainian restaurants. They are very filling and inexpensive to prepare.
Babka, or Easter bread, is a traditional dessert in Ukraine and is popular in Poland and Belarus. This sweet yeast bread is a large, cylindrical shape and is often decorated with cream frosting or sprinkles.
Mlyntsi, or crepes, are similar to French-style crepes and are a very popular Ukrainian dish. They are usually filled with a variety of fillings, from cheese to savory options, such as chicken, sauerkraut, and mushrooms.