Russian Potato Vareniki Recipe for Mash and Caramelised Onion Filled Dumplings

This traditional Russian potato vareniki recipe makes half-moon shaped Russian and Ukrainian dumplings filled with mashed potato and caramelised onion that are eaten with sour cream and fresh dill. My baboushka made a big batch along with meat-filled pelmeni for family feasts. Boiled the first time they’re cooked, they’re fantastic fried the next day.

Introduction

This Russian potato vareniki recipe is a family favorite that has been passed down through generations. These dumplings are a staple in Russian and Ukrainian cuisine and are often enjoyed during special occasions like Orthodox Christmas and Easter. The dumplings are filled with a mixture of mashed potato and caramelised onion, giving them a rustic and comforting flavor. They are traditionally served with sour cream and fresh dill.

Ingredients

Dough

• 500g all-purpose flour
• 200ml water
• 1 tsp salt

Vareniki filling

• 1 tbsp neutral cooking oil
• 1 large white onion, finely chopped
• 500g potatoes
• 2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp pepper

Instructions

1. Start by boiling the potatoes until they are tender. Once cooked, drain the potatoes and set them aside to cool.

2. While the potatoes are cooling, prepare the dough. Create a mound of flour on your kitchen workspace and make a well in the center. Add a pinch of salt and pour in 200ml of water. Use your hands to combine the ingredients and form a ball of dough. If the dough is too dry, add more water. If it’s too wet, add more flour. Wrap the dough in cling wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.

3. In the meantime, heat the cooking oil in a frying pan and add the finely chopped onion. Cook the onion until it is browned and caramelized. Set aside.

4. Once the potatoes have cooled, remove the skins and mash them in a bowl. Add the caramelized onion, salt, and pepper to the mashed potatoes and mix well.

5. To prepare the vareniki casings, sprinkle some flour on your workspace to prevent sticking. Divide the dough into quarters and cover the portions you’re not using with a clean tea towel.

6. Roll out a portion of the dough into a large oval shape, about 2mm thick. Use the rim of a glass to cut out rounds from the dough. Place a teaspoon of the potato filling in the center of each round.

7. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges together to seal the dumpling. If the dough is not sealing properly, you can moisten the edges with a little water.

8. Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling until all the vareniki are assembled.

9. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Carefully slide the vareniki into the boiling water and cook until they float to the surface. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

10. Using a slotted spoon, remove the vareniki from the water and place them in a casserole dish. Add chunks of butter to the dish and gently toss the vareniki to coat them in butter.

11. Serve the vareniki in the casserole dish with a sprinkle of fresh dill and a side of sour cream. Alternatively, you can portion out the vareniki onto individual plates and top each serving with sour cream and dill.

12. Any leftover vareniki can be fried the next day for a delicious twist. Simply heat some butter in a frying pan and cook the vareniki until they are golden and crispy.

Conclusion

This Russian potato vareniki recipe is a classic dish that will transport you to the heart of Russian and Ukrainian cuisine. The combination of creamy mashed potato, sweet caramelized onion, and tender dumpling casings is a match made in culinary heaven. Whether enjoyed boiled or fried, these vareniki are sure to delight your taste buds. Serve them with sour cream and fresh dill for an authentic Russian dining experience. Enjoy!