Vareniki, beloved in Eastern European cuisine, are dumplings filled with ingredients like mashed potatoes, cheese, or cherries. They're boiled and often served with sour cream. Originating in Ukraine, vareniki have been a staple for generations, offering a comforting and versatile meal enjoyed across the region.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Filling of choice (e.g., mashed potatoes, cheese, cherries)
Method:
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add egg and water.
- Knead the dough until smooth. Let it rest for 30 minutes, covered with a towel.
- Roll out the dough thinly on a floured surface.
- Cut circles using a glass or a cookie cutter.
- Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges to seal.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the vareniki in batches for 3-4 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and serve hot with sour cream. Enjoy your homemade vareniki!
Nutrition Value:
2 cups all-purpose flour:
- Calories: Approximately 800 kcal
- Carbohydrates: Around 170 grams
- Protein: About 20 grams
- Fat: Less than 2 grams
- Sodium: Negligible
- Cholesterol: None
- Vitamins: Contains small amounts of B vitamins, especially niacin and folate
- Minerals: Provides some iron and magnesium
benefit: Mainly a source of energy from carbohydrates, with some protein and micronutrients. However, it's low in essential nutrients and fiber.
1 egg:
- Calories: Approximately 70 kcal
- Carbohydrates: Less than 1 gram
- Protein: Around 6 grams
- Fat: About 5 grams
- Sodium: Around 70 milligrams
- Cholesterol: Approximately 185 milligrams
- Vitamins: Rich in vitamin B12, riboflavin, and selenium
- Minerals: Contains small amounts of iron and calcium
benefit: Excellent source of high-quality protein and essential vitamins and minerals, particularly B vitamins and selenium.
1/2 cup water:
- Calories: 0 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
benefit: Essential for hydration and to facilitate dough formation, with no caloric content.
1/2 tsp salt:
- Calories: 0 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: Approximately 1,150 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: Provides sodium
benefit: Enhances flavor, regulates dough fermentation, and acts as a preservative, but excessive intake can contribute to high blood pressure.
Filling of choice (e.g., mashed potatoes, cheese, cherries):
- Nutritional values vary significantly depending on the chosen filling. Here are some examples:
- Mashed potatoes: Rich in carbohydrates, some protein, vitamins (especially vitamin C and B6), and minerals (potassium, magnesium).
- Cheese: High in protein, calcium, and phosphorus, but also contains saturated fat and cholesterol.
- Cherries: Low in calories, high in fiber, vitamins (especially vitamin C), and antioxidants.
benefit: Provides flavor, texture, and additional nutrients to the dish. Choose fillings based on personal preferences and dietary considerations.
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