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.