Vushka are delightful dumplings akin to their larger cousin, varenyky, but filled with savory mushrooms. Originating from Ukrainian and Eastern European cuisine, these bite-sized delights are traditionally served in borscht or as a standalone side dish. The recipe typically involves a simple dough wrapped around a flavorful mushroom filling, boiled to perfection. With their rich history and delicious taste, vushka continue to be cherished as a beloved comfort food in the region and beyond.

Ingredients:

- 2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 egg

- 1/2 cup water

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

- 1 cup finely chopped mushrooms

- 1 small onion, finely chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Optional: sour cream and fresh dill for serving

Method:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the egg, water, and vegetable oil. Mix until a dough forms.

2. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, prepare the filling by sautéing the mushrooms, onion, and garlic in a pan until softened. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to cool.

4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into small circles using a cookie cutter or glass.

5. Place a small spoonful of the mushroom filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges to seal, forming a crescent shape.

6. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop the vushka into the boiling water and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they float to the surface.

7. Remove the cooked vushka with a slotted spoon and serve hot, either in borscht or as a side dish. Optionally, garnish with sour cream and fresh dill before serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade vushka!

Nutrition Value:

1. 2 cups all-purpose flour:

  - Calories: Approximately 455 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Around 95 grams

  - Protein: About 13 grams

  - Fat: Nearly 1 gram

  - Sodium: Minimal (depends on the brand)

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: Contains small amounts of B vitamins, particularly niacin and thiamine.

  - Minerals: Provides small amounts of iron and magnesium.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Flour serves as the base ingredient for the dough, providing carbohydrates for energy and some protein. It also contributes to the texture and structure of the final dish.

2. 1 egg:

  - Calories: Approximately 70 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Less than 1 gram

  - Protein: About 6 grams

  - Fat: Approximately 5 grams

  - Sodium: Around 70 mg

  - Cholesterol: Roughly 185 mg

  - Vitamins: Rich in vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin B12, riboflavin, and folate.

  - Minerals: Contains iron, phosphorus, and selenium.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Eggs add protein and fat to the dish, contributing to its flavor, texture, and richness. They also provide essential vitamins and minerals for overall health.

3. 1/2 cup water:

  - Calories: None

  - Carbohydrates: None

  - Protein: None

  - Fat: None

  - Sodium: None

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: None

  - Minerals: None

  - Nutritional Benefit: Water is essential for hydrating the dough and ensuring proper consistency.

4. 1/2 teaspoon salt:

  - Calories: None

  - Carbohydrates: None

  - Protein: None

  - Fat: None

  - Sodium: Approximately 1150 mg

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: None

  - Minerals: Contains iodine (if iodized salt is used) and sodium.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Salt enhances the flavor of the dough and other ingredients. However, it should be used in moderation due to its high sodium content.

5. 1 tablespoon vegetable oil:

  - Calories: Approximately 120 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: None

  - Protein: None

  - Fat: About 14 grams

  - Sodium: None

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin E.

  - Minerals: None

  - Nutritional Benefit: Vegetable oil adds moisture to the dough and helps prevent sticking during cooking. It also provides healthy fats, particularly unsaturated fats.

6. 1 cup finely chopped mushrooms:

  - Calories: Approximately 15 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Around 2 grams

  - Protein: About 2 grams

  - Fat: Less than 1 gram

  - Sodium: Around 2 mg

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: Excellent source of vitamin D, riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid.

  - Minerals: Contains potassium, phosphorus, and selenium.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Mushrooms add flavor, texture, and nutrients to the dish. They are low in calories and fat but rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

7. 1 small onion, finely chopped:

  - Calories: Approximately 10 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Around 2 grams

  - Protein: About 0.2 grams

  - Fat: None

  - Sodium: Around 1 mg

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: Good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and folate.

  - Minerals: Contains potassium and manganese.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Onions contribute flavor and aroma to the dish while providing some vitamins and minerals.

8. 2 cloves garlic, minced:

  - Calories: Approximately 10 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Around 2 grams

  - Protein: About 0.5 grams

  - Fat: None

  - Sodium: Around 1 mg

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin C and vitamin B6.

  - Minerals: Contains small amounts of calcium, phosphorus, and selenium.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Garlic adds a strong, savory flavor to the dish and offers some health benefits, including potential antibacterial and immune-boosting properties.

9. Salt and pepper to taste:

  - See details under the salt component for sodium content.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Salt enhances the overall flavor of the dish, while pepper adds a spicy kick. Both should be used in moderation.

10. Optional: sour cream and fresh dill for serving:

  - Calories, carbohydrates, protein, fat, sodium, cholesterol, vitamins, and minerals depend on the serving size and specific brand of sour cream. Fresh dill adds negligible calories and provides small amounts of vitamins A and C.

These ingredients combined create a flavorful dish rich in carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, and minerals, making it both satisfying and nutritious when enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.