The distinctive characteristics of traditional Ukrainian cuisine have evolved over centuries. The complexity of the dishes has been influenced by neighbouring countries, climate conditions, rich soil, and hardworking locals. Ukrainian dishes are richly flavoured (with garlic frequently serving as the main seasoning) and, despite the use of contradictory tastes, come together in a harmonious blend.
At the heart of the dish are simple ingredients infused with flavours from neighbouring countries such as Poland, Russia, and Belarus.
Cabbage and garlic are two common ingredients found in a variety of hearty, savoury dishes. And what about their desserts? Don’t even get me started on this!
From breakfast to dessert, these are the most popular Ukrainian foods:
Borscht with garlic fritters
Ukrainian dishes frequently incorporate a variety of ingredients. Borscht is a prime example of this. This dish originally had 30 ingredients, but that number has naturally decreased over time. The technique, however, remains unchanged. To make a meat broth, beef is immersed in cold water. The meat is then removed, and the remaining ingredients are added and cooked in a closed saucepan. Locals serve garlic fritters instead of bread and refer to them as pampushki.
Potato pancakes
Deruny, or potato pancakes, are a delicious breakfast or dinner option. They are typically fried or baked fresh. First and foremost, if you want to make a good batch of deruny, make sure the potatoes are finely grated. Then, to vary the flavour, add meat, onion slices, mushrooms, fresh herbs, or a variety of spices. Alternatively, keep it simple with potatoes and a pinch of salt.
Chicken Kyiv
Chicken Kyiv is a popular dish in Ukrainian restaurants as well as schools and government canteens. It is popular throughout the west but originated in Ukraine.
It typically consists of a chicken fillet pounded and rolled in cold butter, then coated with eggs and bread crumbs and either fried or baked.
Garlic butter is typically used in western versions of the dish, whereas regular butter is used in Ukraine and Russia, and herbs such as parsley and dill are added to the butter.
Paska
The traditional Ukrainian paska, also known in Russia as kulich, is a sweet and fragrant Easter bread. This popular delicacy is high in eggs and butter and has a tall cylindrical shape with a rounded top. It is frequently flavoured with citrus juice or zest, vanilla, rum, ginger, and, on rare occasions, saffron.
Paska may also contain raisins, candied fruit, or maraschino cherries in some varieties. Traditionally, the surface of the bread was decorated with festive ornaments, usually roses or crosses, but modern versions are frequently adorned with pristine egg-white glaze, colourful sprinkles, or poppy seeds.
Outside of Ukraine and Russia, this bread is popular in Georgia, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, and Slovakia.
Varenyky
The preparation of varenyky or pirohi takes a long time. However, in terms of filling, this is probably the most straightforward recipe.
If you have the opportunity to visit a Ukrainian village or a food festival in the city, you will undoubtedly have the opportunity to try out varenyky with the most incredible fillings – from the basic cottage cheese, mashed potatoes, or sauerkraut to the more unique fillings such as olives, pumpkin, nettle, or strawberries.
You can also buy it frozen in any Ukrainian supermarket, and it only takes 10 minutes to prepare.
Olivier potato salad
Salads in Ukraine have traditionally been made with simple ingredients that are always available. The local peasants prefer a salad of fresh or salty cucumbers and sauerkraut with onions and oil. Olivier potato salad, the king of any Ukrainian feast, is a popular salad with more ingredients.
Walnut Stuffed Prunes
When you think back on your childhood, what comes to mind? Is it your birthday party, with friends all around, the cake with candles, and Mom setting out the desserts? Walnut stuffed prunes are one dish that reminds Ukrainians of their truly carefree days. Because Ukraine is known for its walnuts and plums, the ingredients are simple to obtain and the dessert is simple to prepare. It has an ethereal flavour.
