Cheese Dumplings - Varenyky

Cheese Dumplings - Varenyky: A Traditional Delicacy

If you are looking for a recipe that brings joy both in preparation and tasting, look no further! Cheese dumplings, known as varenyky, are a culinary dish with a rich history, appreciated in many corners of the world. These dumplings consist of a fine dough filled with cheese, boiled until they become slightly fluffy. It is a simple dessert, yet full of flavor, which can be adapted according to your preferences.

Total preparation time: 40 minutes
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients for the dough:
- 350 g of flour
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 150-200 ml of warm water

Ingredients for the filling:
- 200 g of fresh cottage cheese (or creamy spreadable cheese)
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar (or to taste)

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the dough:
Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. Add the salt and mix well to ensure the salt is evenly distributed. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the egg. Gradually add warm water, little by little, while mixing constantly with a fork or by hand.

2. Kneading the dough:
Once you have added all the flour, knead the dough with your hands until it becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your fingers. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. Shape it into a ball and wrap it in cling film, letting it rest for 10-15 minutes.

3. Preparing the filling:
While the dough is resting, prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix the well-drained cottage cheese with the egg yolk and sugar. Ensure that the filling is well combined. You can adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste; if you like sweeter dumplings, feel free to add a little more!

4. Forming the dumplings:
On a well-floured surface, roll out the dough with a rolling pin until you get a thin sheet (about 2-3 mm thick). Use a glass or a cookie cutter to cut out dough discs with a diameter of about 10 cm.

5. Filling and sealing the dumplings:
Place a teaspoon of the cheese filling in the center of each dough disc. Fold the dough to form a half-moon and press the edges well to ensure they are sealed. You can use a fork to create a pattern on the edges, which also helps to prevent them from opening during boiling.

6. Boiling the dumplings:
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a little salt. When the water is boiling, add the dumplings, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Boil them for 10 minutes, gently stirring with a wooden spoon to avoid sticking. The dumplings are ready when they float to the surface.

7. Serving:
After boiling, remove the dumplings with a slotted spoon and let them drain. You can serve them hot, drizzled with melted butter and sprinkled with granulated sugar. Another delicious option is to serve them with fresh sour cream or a fruit sauce.

Practical Tips:
- Make sure the cheese filling is well-drained; otherwise, the dumplings may become watery.
- You can experiment with different fillings, such as mashed potatoes with onions, sautéed cabbage, or even fruit jam for a sweet version.
- If you have leftover dumplings, you can freeze them before boiling. Place them on a tray and put them in the freezer. Once frozen, you can transfer them to a freezer bag. Boil them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Nutritional Benefits:
Cheese dumplings are a good source of protein due to the cheese, and the whole wheat flour used in the dough can add fiber to your diet. They can be a healthy option if you choose to use whole ingredients and control the amounts of sugar and fats.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use gluten-free flour? Yes, you can replace regular flour with a gluten-free alternative. Make sure to follow the instructions on the package to achieve a suitable dough.
- How can I enhance the flavor of the dumplings? Add fresh herbs or spices to the filling (such as dill or chives) for an extra flavor boost.
- What other recipes can I try with similar fillings? You can try cooking celery, cheese meatballs, or even vegetable fillings baked in the oven.

Cheese dumplings are more than just a culinary dish; they are a connection between traditions and memories, a symbol of comfort and joy. As you start cooking, remember to enjoy every step of the process. Bon appétit!