Farmer's Cheese Dumplings (Vareniki)
Pillowy Ukrainian dumplings filled with sweetened farmer's cheese (tvorog), boiled until tender, and finished with melted butter and a dollop of sour cream.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2/3 cup warm water
- 1/2 tsp salt (for dough)
- 2 cups farmer's cheese or dry-curd cottage cheese
- 2 large egg yolk (for filling)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt (for filling)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tsp salt (for boiling water)
Instructions
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1
Make the dough: combine 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting), 1/2 tsp salt (for dough), 1 beaten large egg, and 2/3 cup warm water. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth. Wrap and rest 20 minutes.
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2
Make the filling: combine 2 cups farmer's cheese or dry-curd cottage cheese, 2 large egg yolk (for filling), 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/4 tsp salt (for filling). Mix until smooth.
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3
Roll the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut 3-inch rounds with a cutter or glass.
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4
Place about 1 teaspoon of filling in the center of each circle. Fold into half-moons and pinch the edges firmly sealed.
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5
Bring a large pot of water to a boil with 2 tsp salt (for boiling water). Boil vareniki in batches for 4-5 minutes until they float and the dough is cooked through.
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6
Remove with a slotted spoon and toss immediately with 2 tbsp unsalted butter. Serve with 1/2 cup sour cream.