Village life & Ukrainian national dish VARENYKY with Cherries (step-by-step recipe with gifs)

Born in big cities, growing up in the age of globalization, most of us forget about our roots, some unique customs and traditions, without which only half a century ago our grandparents couldn't imagine their lives. This rule does not always apply, nevertheless more and more people do not pay attention to their nationality in everyday life.

The flag of Ukraine) Blue sky above, wheat field below))

I am Ukrainian and I am proud of it!

If you are interested in learning something new about Ukraine, please, go on reading) A lot of pictures!)

Okay...let's continue)

Hope you already know that Ukraine is the biggest European country? With the finest soil? And the most beautiful fields? 

Of course  the latest developments in my motherland recalled a feeling of patriotism. Today you can see on the streets twice as much national symbols than a year ago...Now it is rather popular among Ukrainians to take any kind of our flag along, to wear some parts of national costume in daily life, to popularize Ukrainian language...it is popular to BE Ukrainian.

I DO NOT wanna say that it is bad! NOT AT ALL! I am glad that now my nation is self-assured. I believe that the next generation, grown up in such a patriotic spirit, will be accustomed to value their nationality.

I went too far serious)..;)

What has definitely never changed - is the Ukrainian village. People here have always adhered the traditions - celebrating all national holidays, cooking national dishes. Ukrainian village, with all its beautiful nature, and landscapes is perfect.

Oh....my blooming Ukraine..)

I go to the countryside not often..I'd say even very seldom. But moving from the city, I leave all the problems behind, begin to enjoy every minute, every second.!! 

Did you know that the first beehive in the whole world was invented in Ukraine? Ukraine ranks the first place in production of honey per capita (1.5 kg!!!).

My grandfather used to have a bee-garden of more than 30 hives! Today although it consists only of 5))

I cook everything only using home produced honey)

Ukraine is the singing nation. Carol of the Bells, or Shchedryk one of most world-famous Christmas songs, was written by Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych in 1904.

Ukrainian cuisine is known for salo - smoked, salted fat or lard that may also be flavored with spices. However I hate it. Brrrr...

I prefer chicken) heh..they are so cute)

Chickens like eating millet)))

Cute dear on the barn door 

Some goods from my aunt's garden

The photo of cherries leads us to...that's it! Varenyky with Cherries. Since the post is dedicated to Ukraine and after my village trip I have a lot of cherries at home (not anymore)), I thought it would be the best to make this Ukrainian national dish, which associates with my grandmother and my childhood. This dish always gatheres our family together. The recipe was handed from generation to generation, yep...family recipe! Now it's my turn))

They are very easy to make with easy to find ingredients. However there are some tips). But don't feel upset. I've made my first gifs to show you everything). 

Ready? 

makes 25 varenyky 

For the dough

650 g all-purposo flour

500 ml kefir  (can be replaced with buttermilk)

1 tsp baking soda

pinch of salt 

For the filling 

500 g (sour) cherries (pitted if requested, our family usually leaves that out)

                                             _______________________________________

starring - my mother's hands

1. Measure in a bowl 250 g flour

2. Add salt and baking soda to the kefir

3. Pour kefir to the flour, mix with a spoon

4. Gradually add the rest of the flour....

...untill you feel that the dough is thick and it is difficult to blend with the spoon. Then you will have to knead the dough with hands.

This is what it have to look like after you end kneading.

Lightly flour your work surface. Divide the batter into 25 balls (4 mm in diameter).

Take one ball and with lightly floured hands make a circle. Tip! Edges and the center have to be of the same thickness!

Place 4 cherries in the middle of the circle. 

Fold in half and pinch the edges shut.

To make the varenyk look like varenyk , you have to form "waves" in the place of joint.

Like here

And here

It is rather tricky...but after a few tries you'll succeed)

Watch and repeat....

Next step- to steam varenyky. Bring water to the boil and cook for 7 minutes.

Actually, there are two kinds of varenyky. Those which are boiled and the others are steamed. The difference is in the dough ingredients. Plus, the first are usually small, the second - bigger and spongy.

To prevent varenyky from sticking together, strew each batch with sugar.

Traditionally varenyky are served with sour cream and honey.

To conclude. I wrote this post to make you remember your ancestry. Be proud of your origin and never forget who you are.

xo xo

See you soon.