Description
Cherry Vareniki are traditional Eastern European dumplings filled with sweet cherries, offering a delightful balance of tart and sweet flavors wrapped in tender dough. This recipe guides you through making the classic vareniki dough, filling it with fresh, pitted cherries and sugar, and boiling them to perfection. Serve them as a dessert or a sweet treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Vareniky Dough
- Vareniky dough (refer to the recipe at http://bit.ly/pierogidough)
Filling
- 1 lb pitted cherries
- 1/2 cup sugar (approximately 1/4 teaspoon per each dough round)
Boiling
- 1/2 tablespoon salt (for the boiling water)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Follow the provided link to prepare fresh vareniky dough. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness, and use a round cutter to create dough circles.
- Prepare the Cherry Filling: Pit the cherries completely. In a bowl, toss the pitted cherries with sugar, mixing gently to combine. This will sweeten the filling and help release some juices during cooking.
- Assemble the Vareniki: Place a spoonful of the cherry and sugar mixture in the center of each dough round. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and carefully press the edges together to seal, ensuring no filling leaks out. You can crimp the edges with your fingers or a fork for a decorative, secure seal.
- Boil the Vareniki: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the 1/2 tablespoon of salt. Carefully drop the vareniki into the boiling water in batches without overcrowding. When they float to the surface, cook them for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure the dough is cooked through.
- Drain and Serve: Use a slotted spoon to remove the vareniki from the water and let them drain. Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream or melted butter if desired. Enjoy the tender dumplings with sweet cherry filling as a comforting dessert or snack.
Notes
- Ensure cherries are fully pitted to avoid any unpleasant bites.
- Seal the dough edges well to prevent the filling from leaking during boiling.
- You can adjust the sugar quantity based on the tartness of cherries.
- Serve with sour cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for added sweetness.
- Vareniki dough can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen before use.
