How to Make Cherry Vareniki (Cherry Pierogi)
Step #1: Place two cups of the flour in a large mixing bowl along with the sea salt and baking soda. The use of cherries in vareniki likely coincides with the cultivation of cherries in the region, which dates back several centuries. Cherries were abundant in Ukraine, especially during the summer, making them a natural choice for a sweet filling. Step #2: Whisk the kefir and egg together in a small bowl. Make a well in the flour mixture and pour in the kefir mix. Gently knead together the dough, adding more flour one tablespoon at a time, until the dough stops sticking to your fingers. Form the dough into a ball, cover the bowl with a damp towel, and allow it to rest for 30 minutes. Step #3: While the dough is resting, prepare the sour cherry sauce: Pour the can of cherries through a sieve into a medium bowl. Set aside one cup of the strained cherries to use as filling. Place the liquid from the can along with the remaining cherries into a small saucepan. Add the sugar and cornstarch; cook over medium heat until thickened. Set aside. Step #4: When the dough is done resting, dust a clean surface with flour and roll the dough into a long log. Dust the log with flour and cut it into 20 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a disc, then use a floured rolling pin to roll each piece into 3-inch circles. Step #5: Place 2 or 3 cherries into the center of each circle. Fold the dough into a half-circle to enclose the cherries; pinch or pleat together to seal. The dough will be very elastic, so you may need to re-stretch the pieces a little bit as you form the varenikis. Step #6: Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Set out a large mixing bowl and place the butter on the bottom. Place one completed vareniki into the water and boil for 60 seconds. Remove the vareniki with a slotted spoon and test to ensure the dough is cooked through. Do Not Overcrowd the Pot: When boiling the vareniki, avoid overcrowding the pot. This ensures that they cook evenly and don’t stick together. Cooking them in batches might take a bit longer but will result in better-textured vareniki. Serve with Complementary Toppings: While sour cream is traditional, offering a variety of toppings can enhance the eating experience. Consider chopped nuts, mint, or even a drizzle of honey for additional textures and flavors. To reheat, you can either steam them or warm them in a microwave until heated through. If frozen, there’s no need to thaw; boil them directly from the freezer, adding a couple of minutes to the cooking time.
