Ukrainian Olha's Filled Dumplings Varenyky
Ingredients
Olha's filled dumplings (Varenyky):
These half moons of dough may be filled with a variety of fruits, vegetables, meats and cheeses, although for Christmas Eve potato and cabbage fillings are the favorite.
Varenyky Dough:
5 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup evaporated milk
1/2 cup water (more or less as needed)
Combine the flour and salt in a large bowl, forming a well in the center. Add the soft butter and evaporated milk gently until all the flour is absorbed.
Add water as needed. Knead dough until it sticks together. Let rest 5 minutes, then knead until smooth. Cover and set aside.
Place dough in a greased bowl, turn to coat, and cover. Let set for about half an hour.Take 1/3 of the dough, leaving the rest covered.
Roll out into a circle on a floured surface. Flip dough over and roll it out until it is 1/8 inch thick. Cut into 3-inch rounds.
Place a tablespoon of filling on one side of the round, flip over the other half and press edges together to seal. Place the dumpling on a floured tray and keep covered.
In a 3-quart saucepan, drop 10 or so dumplings into boiling water. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes. Drain in a colander. Place on a lightly oiled dish to coat with a thin layer of oil. Coat dumplings so they don't stick together.
Serve Dumplings with fried onions and sour cream.
Cold dumplings can be fried in oil and butter for a nice crispy surface.
MOTHER'S POTATO AND CHEESE FILLING:
6 medium-sized potatoes cooked and mashed
2 large onions, chopped fine
1 stick butter (1/4 lb.)
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
2 teaspoons pepper, or to taste
Peel and dice potatoes, cover with water, and boil until soft. Drain and mash. Saute the onions in butter. Add the cheese, onions, salt and pepper to the potatoes and mix well. Allow to cool, stirring occasionally. Once cooled, it is ready to use as dumpling filling.
Instructions
SAUEKRAUT AND CABBAGE FILLING:
1 pound sauerkraut
2 large onions, chopped fine
1 stick butter
3 cups shredded white cabbage
1 bouillon cube
2 teaspoons pepper
Pour off the sauerkraut juice and set aside. DO NOT USE KRAUT FROM A CAN. Best to use sauerkraut in a jar or homemade.
Saute the onions in butter and add to the sauerkraut. Add the cabbage, bouillon, and reserved juice. Stirring often, cook over low heat until liquid evaporates. Add the pepper.
Remove from heat and let cool. Run the mixture through a meat grinder or food processor.
The filling is then ready to use in the dumplings.
