Taste of Ukraine: Pierogies vs. Varenyky – Fillings that Save Money

If you’re a fan of Polish pierogies, you’ll love their Ukrainian cousins, varenyky. These delicious dumplings are a staple of Ukrainian cuisine and are just as versatile and budget-friendly as their Polish counterparts. In this article, we’ll explore the delicious world of Ukrainian dumplings and share some tips for making them on a budget.

Pierogies vs. Varenyky: What’s the Difference?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, there are some subtle differences between pierogies and varenyky. Pierogies are the Polish version of the dish, while varenyky are the Ukrainian version. The dough is often very similar, but the fillings can vary. Varenyky are also more likely to be filled with sweet fillings, like cherries or farmer’s cheese.

Budget-Friendly Fillings

The great thing about both pierogies and varenyky is that they can be filled with a wide variety of budget-friendly ingredients. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Potato and Cheese: This is a classic filling for a reason. It’s simple, delicious, and incredibly affordable.
• Sauerkraut and Mushroom: Another classic combination that’s both flavorful and budget-friendly.
• Cabbage: Cooked cabbage is a delicious and inexpensive filling for varenyky.
• Farmer’s Cheese: This fresh and tangy cheese is a popular filling for sweet varenyky. You can find it at most Polish or Eastern European delis in Chicago.

Dumpling-Making Tips

• Make Your Own Dough: Making your own dough is easy and affordable. All you need is flour, water, and a little bit of salt. Some recipes also call for an egg or a little bit of sour cream.
• Seal Them Tight: Be sure to seal the edges of your dumplings tightly so they don’t fall apart when you cook them.
• Boil or Fry: The traditional way to cook both pierogies and varenyky is to boil them. But you can also pan-fry them in a little bit of butter for a crispy exterior.
• Serve with Toppings: Serve your dumplings with a dollop of sour cream, some fried onions, or a drizzle of melted butter.

The Recipes

Here are two budget-friendly recipes to get you started:

Classic Potato and Cheese Pierogies

• Recipe: [Link to a budget-friendly potato and cheese pierogi recipe]

Ukrainian Potato and Onion Varenyky

• Recipe: [Link to a budget-friendly potato and onion varenyky recipe]

Whether you call them pierogies or varenyky, these delicious dumplings are a taste of home for many Eastern Europeans. And with these budget-friendly tips, you can enjoy them any time you like.