The Authentic Ukrainian Kitchen: Recipes from a Native Chef

by Yevhen Klopotenko

Celebrate Ukraine’s independent spirit and unique culture in 100 recipes from the “powerhouse” chef “on the frontlines of defending democracy” (José Andrés, World Central Kitchen).

Now, more than ever, Ukrainian cuisine and culture deserve to be known around the world. Here, Yevhen Klopotenko shares modern recipes for the dishes that best express Ukraine’s unique culinary heritage and define the independent spirit of its people.

Inside you’ll find fresh ideas about how to use common vegetables, new approaches to fermentation and pickling, the delight of dumplings and simple baked goods, hearty long-simmered braises, and the pleasure of babka, torte, candied fruit, and so much more.

Klopotenko is Ukraine’s most internationally celebrated chef, and these recipes are the result of years of research into regional Ukrainian cooking. He has peeled back layers of propaganda to identify true Ukrainian cuisine, shaped by tradition, geography, and agriculture. Known as the “breadbasket of Europe,” Ukraine’s beloved dishes Borsch, the national treasure, and its many variations Pampushky, easy garlic bread rolls Varenyky, dumplings stuffed with sweet or savory fillings Deruny, fried potato pancakes Sweet and savory breakfasts, simple salads and dips, and hearty braises Lviv-style cheesecake, nut torte, and many more desserts  
But this cookbook is about more than the It stands for the preservation of a culture under threat and the independence of people under attack.

Genres: Cookbooks, Food, Nonfiction, Ukraine, Cooking

279 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 14, 2024

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will be adding this one to my collection at some point. The recipes are well laid out. The instructions are easy to follow and detailed enough. The cooking times from start to finish are accurate. The food is amazing!

[Weatherly Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I probably wouldn't make any of these recipes, this book is incredibly well written. The potato pancakes, borchst, and knishes, were very similar to the Jewish recipes I grew up with. Recently I found out that the village my family came from, was in what is the Ukraine now.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple Tasty Recipes

Very simple easy recipes which I can't wait to try out. I have bookmarked quite a few and will write a review on Amazon once I have made them.

[Dawn-Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of really good recipes here, so many that I remember from childhood.

[Trina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely photos and one has to applaud the author’s love for his country and desire to preserve and promote his cultural heritage. Occasionally the instructions left me with questions and I feel like a few of the ingredients might be more challenging to come by in a basic American grocery store but I enjoyed learning more about the cuisine of this region of the world.

[Yulia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been watching Yevhen Klopotenko's YouTube videos for a couple of years now. I like his personality and the fact that he really champions not only Ukrainian cuisine generally, but also local/regional dishes. He is a man on a mission to reclaim Ukrainian culinary identity.
I absolutely love this book. It features many of my favourite dishes, the ones I grew up with and still make regularly in my own kitchen. I was also glad to discover new recipes to try. Definitely recommend.

[Sylvia Snowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful cookbook, good instructions and illustrations of methods and steps.

This is peasant food, down to earth, basic ingredients, unfussy preparation. Occasionally a little off--why preheat the oven before even boiling and cooling potatoes?

If you've never eaten or made East and Central European cooking, but like potatoes in any form, you will enjoy this. If you are already a fan of this cooking, you will like it even better.

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

The recipes look incredible and I want to make so many. I wish it didn’t come with so much political activism. That kills it for me. At some point, he just comes across as bitter and angry. To me, it takes away from the power of his recipes. Unfortunately, this is not a win for me.

[emyrose8 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A picture with every recipe, how long it takes to make, well organized ingredient lists/instructions, and a surprising amount of recipes I want to try. Drinks especially, both alcohol and non alcoholic.