25 Traditional Ukrainian Dishes You’ll Love
Ukrainian cuisine celebrates hearty ingredients, bold flavors, and time-honored techniques.
From borscht to pierogies, these recipes showcase traditional favorites and modern twists.
Every dish reflects the warmth and richness of Ukrainian culinary heritage.
A collection of meals steeped in culture and flavor awaits discovery.
Ukrainian Borscht Recipe (Beet Soup)
Ukrainian borscht offers a delightful journey into rich flavors and hearty ingredients.
This vibrant red soup is packed with beets, cabbage, and a medley of vegetables that create an inviting dish full of nutrition.
Serving it with sour cream adds a creamy texture that perfectly complements the robust taste.
Feel free to personalize your bowl by adding your favorite herbs or spices for an extra touch of flavor!
Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls
Ukrainian cabbage rolls offer a delightful taste of home-cooked goodness.
This dish combines tender cabbage leaves with a savory filling of meat, vegetables, and rice, all simmered in rich tomato sauce.
The ingredients are affordable and accessible, making it easy to whip up a satisfying meal any night of the week.
Freezing leftovers ensures that deliciousness is always just a quick reheat away for busy days ahead.
Chocolate Babka
Homemade bread can be a delightful experience, especially when it involves chocolate babka.
This traditional treat from Ukraine and Poland features soft, fluffy dough intertwined with rich chocolate ganache.
The process requires patience, but the end result is undeniably rewarding.
Ukrainian Garlic Bread (Pampushky)
Ukrainian garlic bread, known as pampushky, offers a delightful twist on traditional dinner rolls.
A few pantry staples are all that’s needed to whip up these soft and fluffy treats.
The golden crust adds an inviting crunch, while the garlic oil infused with herbs elevates the flavor profile to something truly special.
Following expert tips ensures each batch turns out perfectly every time you bake them.
Potato Vareniki (Ukrainian Pierogi Recipe)
Potato vareniki, also known as Ukrainian pierogi, offers a delightful twist on traditional comfort food.
Fluffy mashed potatoes nestled in a tender dough create an inviting dish that warms the heart.
Serving them with sour cream and crispy bacon elevates the experience to new heights.
Leftover mashed potatoes transform into something extraordinary, making this recipe both practical and delicious.
Ukrainian Green Borscht
Spinach soup, a delightful end to the Ukrainian recipe journey, showcases the vibrant flavors of summer vegetables.
This traditional green borscht is not only refreshing but also packed with nutrients that elevate any meal.
The forgiving nature of this recipe ensures success in every attempt, inviting you to experiment with different ingredients.
A bowl of this soup can easily become a staple in your kitchen routine, offering comfort and satisfaction on warm days.
With twenty-five authentic recipes at your fingertips, which one will you try first?
Ukrainian Braised Pork with Mashed Potatoes
Authentic Eastern European flavors come alive in this Ukrainian braised pork dish.
Tender pork simmers gently in a rich sauce of mushrooms and carrots, with ketchup and sour cream adding depth to every bite.
Creamy mashed potatoes serve as the perfect companion, soaking up the savory goodness from the meat.
Ukrainian Pork Meatballs (Kotlety)
Ukrainian pork meatballs, known as kotlety, offer a delightful twist on comfort food.
Ground pork combines with soaked bread and onion to create a flavorful mixture that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Baking them achieves a lovely golden crust while keeping the inside wonderfully tender.
Pairing these meatballs with creamy mashed potatoes and a fresh salad creates an unforgettable meal experience.
Chicken Kiev
Chicken Kiev stands out as a culinary gem that combines rich flavors and satisfying textures.
The tender chicken envelops a luscious garlic herb butter, creating an explosion of taste with every bite.
A golden crust formed from eggs and breadcrumbs adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the juicy filling.
Whether fried or baked, this dish is sure to impress anyone who tries it at your table.
Ukrainian Beet Salad
A classic Ukrainian beet salad shines with its vibrant colors and robust flavors.
Packed with steamed vegetables, this dish offers a wealth of nutrients, including fibers and essential vitamins.
Enjoying it alongside grilled chicken or a hearty sandwich elevates any meal.
The balance of taste and health makes this salad an appealing choice for everyone.
Ukrainian Breakfast Hash
Ukrainian breakfast hash offers a delightful way to kick off your day.
Packed with hearty potatoes and flavorful Ukrainian sausages, this dish satisfies even the hungriest of appetites.
Fresh veggies add a burst of color and nutrition, while dill on top provides an aromatic finish that elevates the entire meal.
Preparing it in one pan makes cleanup effortless, allowing you to enjoy more time with loved ones around the table.
Ukrainian Stewed Beef & Potatoes
For those who cherish hearty meals, Ukrainian stewed beef and potatoes deserves a spot on your table.
This dish combines tender beef with soft potatoes, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce that fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
Using simple ingredients from your pantry makes it accessible for any home cook.
Pairing it with pickled tomatoes and dill elevates the flavor experience to new heights.
Kyiv Torte
Kyiv torte stands as a beloved symbol of Ukrainian baking, showcasing layers of flavor and texture.
This cake features a light sponge base infused with hazelnut liqueur, offering an aromatic twist that excites the palate.
Chocolate ganache adds richness while the caramel frosting creates a sweet finish that balances beautifully with the crunch of hazelnut meringue.
Braised Potatoes with Pork
Braised potatoes with pork create a delightful meal that everyone can enjoy.
Tender meat melds beautifully with hearty potatoes, carrots, and onions, resulting in a comforting dish that warms the soul.
The rich flavors develop as the ingredients simmer together, inviting you to savor each spoonful.
Dill Pickle Soup
Cold nights call for something special, and classic Ukrainian dill pickle soup fits the bill perfectly.
This dish combines seasoned beef with a rich broth, creating a hearty meal that warms you from the inside out.
Unexpected ingredients like pickles and barley add an intriguing twist to traditional flavors, making every spoonful memorable.
Potatoes and sautéed vegetables enhance the texture while providing essential nutrients.
Syrniki Recipe (Ukrainian Cheese Pancakes)
Ukrainian cheese pancakes offer a delightful twist on traditional breakfast options.
Made with creamy farmers cheese and enriched with dried fruit, these pancakes achieve a perfect balance of sweetness and moisture.
Adapting the recipe for gluten-free or keto diets is straightforward, allowing more people to enjoy this treat.
Topping them with sour cream and fresh berries elevates the experience, making it feel truly authentic.
Cabbage Piroshky
Cabbage piroshky offers a delightful taste of Ukrainian street food right in your kitchen.
The dough is soft and airy, creating a perfect vessel for the savory filling of braised vegetables.
Frying them to a golden brown adds an irresistible crunch that complements the tender inside beautifully.
You have the freedom to customize your filling, allowing you to experiment with flavors that excite your palate.
Serve these warm alongside sour cream for dipping; it's sure to impress anyone who tries them!
Halushki Recipe (Traditional Ukrainian Dumplings)
Traditional Ukrainian dumplings, or halushki, offer a delightful experience for anyone who enjoys comfort food.
These plump flour dumplings are rich and buttery, perfectly complemented by the savory crunch of pan-fried bacon and fresh vegetables.
The combination creates a satisfying dish that warms the heart with every bite.
Ukrainian Chicken Plov
Ukrainian chicken plov offers a delightful twist on weeknight meals, combining tender chicken with fragrant rice.
The blend of onions and carrots adds a burst of flavor that complements the spices beautifully.
Enjoying this dish alongside pickles and marinated tomatoes creates an authentic Ukrainian experience right at your dining table.
One pan is all it takes to whip up this satisfying meal, making cleanup a breeze after dinner.
Olivye Salad (Ukrainian Potato Salad)
Olivye salad, a beloved dish from Ukraine, combines an array of ingredients that create a delightful medley.
Potatoes and carrots mingle with savory meat, hard-boiled eggs, crunchy pickles, and sweet peas for an irresistible flavor profile.
This creamy concoction dressed in mayo is perfect for gatherings or festive occasions.
Serving it chilled enhances its refreshing qualities while making it even more enjoyable to share with others.
Crepes With Cheese (Nalisniki)
Nakisniki holds a special place in Ukrainian culture, often gracing tables during weddings and festivals.
These delightful crepes can easily transition from festive occasions to everyday meals, making them versatile for breakfast or snacks.
A balance of sweetness and creamy cheese creates an addictive flavor.
Patience is key when preparing these treats; the effort pays off with each delicious bite enjoyed by family and friends.
Sauerkraut Soup Recipe (Kapustnyak)
A bowl of sauerkraut soup, known as kapustnyak, offers a delightful experience for your taste buds.
Smoky flavors combine beautifully with tender ingredients to create a rich and hearty dish that warms the soul.
The balance of tanginess from the sauerkraut adds an unexpected twist that keeps you coming back for more.
Kutia (Sweet Wheat Berry Pudding)
Kutia, a cherished dessert from Eastern Europe, offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
This sweet wheat berry pudding shines during Christmas celebrations, showcasing rich traditions and cultural significance.
Preparing it involves some overnight steps that enhance its taste and ensure the perfect consistency.
Once ready, this dish can easily become a staple in your kitchen repertoire.
Shuba Salad (Layered Beet Salad)
Shuba, or Layered Beet Salad, offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors that truly shines during festive occasions.
The vibrant colors from beets, carrots, and potatoes create an eye-catching dish that elevates any gathering.
A light mayo dressing ties everything together beautifully while herring adds a savory touch to the layers.
This salad not only pleases the palate but also serves as an impressive centerpiece on your table.
Ukrainian Stuffed Bell Peppers
Ukrainian stuffed bell peppers offer a delightful combination of flavors that will excite your taste buds.
The filling blends tender rice and savory meat, all enveloped in a rich tomato sauce known as zagarka.
Each pepper is like a little treasure, bursting with nutrients and satisfying goodness.
Baking brings everything together beautifully, resulting in an easy yet impressive dish for any occasion.
Linda Dean
Expertise
Culinary Arts, Food Journalism, Global Cuisine, Exploration, Recipe Development, Cultural Food Studies, Culinary Travel and Storytelling
Education
Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY
Program: Associate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Developed a comprehensive understanding of global cuisines and essential cooking techniques. Engaged in intensive hands-on practice in both kitchens and real-world settings, guided by expert chefs. This program emphasized the application of culinary skills in professional environments, preparing students for a variety of roles in the culinary industry.
City, University of London, London, UK
Program: BA Journalism
Focus: Gained expertise in media studies with a strong foundation in reporting, editing, and communicating. While the program focuses broadly on journalism, the skills acquired apply to food journalism, including the ability to analyze and report on food culture and culinary trends effectively.
Linda Dean is an experienced chef and food writer who loves exploring flavors from around the world. Trained at the Culinary Institute of America, Linda has spent over ten years mastering the art of making dishes that truly represent different cultures. She also studied journalism at City, University of London, which helps her write engaging stories about these foods.
On heythattastesgood.com, Linda shares recipes that bring the world’s kitchens to her readers. She focuses on authentic tastes and the stories behind them, making it easy for anyone to try international cuisine at home.