24 Most Popular Ukrainian Foods That You Should Know 2022
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Loading... - Rubi Marshall
- 11 Mar 2022
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Many have said that the locals use Ukrainian foods as a means to show off their fertile soil, bountiful harvest, and healthy livestock.
And it’s true, nearly 60% of Ukraine’s land is suitable for vegetable production, ensuring a year-round supply of wheat, sugar, and potatoes. The Carpathian Mountains also have large meadows for cattle to graze, providing high-quality beef products for many Ukrainian recipes.
So when you have the chance to visit Ukraine, besides admiring stunning scenery with majestic mountains, remember to enjoy their unique traditional dishes, like the ones I have listed below!
Don’t Skip The Appetizers In Ukraine!
It is very common to enjoy an appetizer or starter before the main meals in European cuisine. Give this section a read and learn what the Ukrainians usually eat during this time.
1. Salo – Cured Pork Fat
Everyone knows the Ukrainians love their Salo, not only for its unique taste but also for the health benefits it brings. Pork fat is high in vitamin D and A, which helps with brain function, digestion, and detoxification.
Although this dish is quite unusual, Salo is frequently regarded as one of Ukraine’s primary icons. In fact, it is so well-loved that the locals hold two annual festivals for this dish, one in February and one in September.
Salo can be eaten raw or cooked. The locals frequently fry or coarsely mince it with garlic and pair it with a famous traditional beet soup called Borscht.
Another option is to slice Salo thinly and place it over garlic-rubbed rye bread. The people in Ukraine love to eat this nutritious snack with Horilka (a popular Ukrainian alcoholic beverage).
In case you want to learn how to cook Salo, this tutorial is here to help!
2. Holodets/ Kholodets – Meat Jelly
This gelatinized pork dish served with horseradish is prevalent in Eastern European nations, not just in Ukraine. Although, yes, the term “meat jelly” may not be that enticing, you would change your mind after just one bite!
The dish’s name comes from the Ukrainian word holodnyii, which means “cold”. You can often see this dish at important celebrations like New Year Eve.
The locals often use beef chuck, pig’s feet, hocks, bone broth, and other aromatics to achieve this exciting meat jelly dish.
Back in the day, people had to cook meat for a very long time to turn it into jelly. Nowadays, using store-bought gelatin is more common since it is less time-consuming and more convenient.
3. Olivye – Ukrainian Potato Salad
The original form of the salad was created in the 1860s by a Belgian-born chef named Lucien Olivier. He served this refreshing appetizer to the regulars of his restaurant called the Hermitage, which is one of Moscow’s most renowned restaurants.
This salad immediately became a favorite at the Hermitage. It eventually became the restaurant’s hallmark dish and one of Ukraine’s most famous appetizers.
The recipe for Olivye calls for diced veggies, eggs, dill pickles, and some types of meat. After mixing these ingredients, it will be coated with mayonnaise and seasoned with mustard, salt, and pepper.
4. Pampushky – Ukrainian Garlic Bread
Pampushky is the epitome of garlic bread! With a soft pillowy texture and flavorful garlic toppings, Ukrainian garlic bread will surely make your mouth water.
These lovely yeasted buns from Ukraine come in both sweet and savory varieties. The sweet form is frequently loaded with jam, berries, cottage cheese, and fresh fruit, while the savory variant is usually seasoned with garlic sauce and eaten with Borscht (Ukrainian beet soup).
German colonists may have been the ones who brought Pampushky to Ukraine. These delicious buns became a popular national dish at the end of the 19th century, eventually gaining “status” as a typical Ukrainian dish.
5. Bublik – Ukrainian-style Bagel
If you consider yourself a bagel fan, Bublik is undoubtedly a must-have! Bublik is a term used in Eastern European nations, primarily Ukraine and Russia, to describe a round, yeasted bun that looks identical to an American bagel.
Although the appearance of Bublik is similar to American bagels, this Ukrainian treat is denser and chewier in texture. Plus, Bublik is not considered a breakfast item like bagels.
Many believe Bublik originated in Kraków (a city in Poland) since it was first mentioned in the Community Regulations of this city in 1610. The bagel moved across Poland to all locations with a significant Jewish population and eventually reached Ukraine.
This Ukrainian breakfast recipe was first sold on the street, where it was hung on street carts and handed out to passers-by. But now, it has become a light appetizer or a typical snack that everyone can enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee. Read More...
