perogies and cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until pierogi float to the top . Remove with a slotted spoon .
Borshch is by far my favorite soup from the region , normally made lean for Christmas but variations are made with bone broth or buttermilk . Red beets , cabbage , onions , garlic and sometimes carrots are simmered in a beef broth until it is rich earthy and dark crimson red . It can be served with a drop of sour cream or butter milk and is by itself a filling meal . This was for many years a vitamin rich stew , simple to make , but able to sustain people of all ages . It is now a symbol of solidarity and for some an icon to remind them of Easter , the next most holy of days in the church calendar .
Borshch a . k . a . Borsht Serves : 10 Ingredients : 16 oz pork sausage 3 medium beets , peeled and chopped fine 3 carrots , peeled and shredded 3 medium baking potatoes , peeled and cubed ½ medium head red cabbage , cored and shredded 1 C diced tomatoes , drained 1 T sunflower oil 1 medium onion , chopped fine 6 oz tomato paste 8-9 C water , 3 cloves garlic , minced 1 t white sugar , or TT salt and pepper TT ½ C sour cream 1 T chopped fresh parsley or dill Instructions : Crumble sausage into a skillet and brown over medium-high heat . When fully brown , remove from the heat and set aside .
Fill a large pot with approximately 8 cups of water and bring to a boil . Add sausage and beets , then cook until they have lost their color . Add carrots and potatoes and simmer until tender , about 15 minutes . Add cabbage and diced tomatoes and reduce to a simmer .
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat . Add onion and cook until tender . Stir in tomato paste and remaining 3 / 4 cup water until well blended . Transfer to the pot . Add garlic to the soup , cover , and turn off the heat . Let stand 5 minutes . Stir in sugar and season with salt and pepper . When ready for service ladle into serving bowls and garnish with sour cream , dill , or parsley .
Vushka is reserved only for Christmas eve , mushrooms roasted with herbs and butter can be stuffed , served alone or with Borshch . If they are served alone , they may have a mushroom broth made for a combination of regional fungi . Made as a cream soup it is called Ryba po grecku .
Holubtsi , which comes from holub or holowanie for “ dove ,” Gołąbki in Polish , symbolizes peace and serenity . These are cabbage rolls filled with cabbage , rice , onions , carrots and root vegetables on Christmas Eve , and meat and onions on Christmas Day . These are served with roasted mushrooms and tomato sauce .
Ukrainian Kholodets or Polish Jellied Fish and Cured Herring served with onions , lemon , and oil are served with vinegar , dill , thinly sliced tomatoes . These match well with Horilka , a honey and pepper vodka .
Vinaigrette a salad composed of roasted beets , carrots , potatoes , pickles , onions , canned peas , and sour cabbage , all dressed with an oil of your liking . Similar to a combination of a crudité and charcuterie tray , this is a simple to assemble presentation for Christmas Eve , it is lean , colorful and a simple addition to the more complex dishes .
Potatoes can be prepared in a variety of ways baked , roasted , boiled , or fried . In Ukraine there are dozens of variations to accompany any meal . On Christmas Eve , potatoes are commonly peeled and baked as wedges , sprinkled with sunflower oil , parsley , garlic , or dill . Other sides may include pickled tomatoes , cabbage , and cucumbers to make a festive and colorful table . Polish Kapusta z grzybami or Saur Kraut with roasted Mushrooms is also common .
Kalach is a braided wheat-flour bread similar to Jewish Challah , made slightly sweet with honey and poppy seeds . Growing children bring these treats home to their parents on Christmas Eve to symbolize health , family and sharing prosperity between the generations .
Kolach Ingredients : 2 t active dry yeast 1 C warm water 1 ⁄ 3 C sugar 1 C milk , warm 8 T or 1 stick unsalted butter , melted 1 t salt 2 large eggs , beaten 6 -7 C cups All-Purpose flour 1 egg , beaten , for egg wash Instructions : In a small bowl , dissolve the yeast in the warm water ,
22 • MERIDIAN LIFE