Stulenyky: Forgotten Ukrainian dish and how to bring it back to your table

What are stulenyky

Stulenyky are traditional Ukrainian pastries, typical for the Dnipro and central regions, made from yeast dough with oil. The name comes from the word "stuliaty" (to tightly join), or, according to another version, from the old Ukrainian word "stulnia" (part of the body), due to the shape of the product.

The dough is made with warm water or milk, adding fresh or dry yeast, salt, sugar, oil, and turmeric for color, optionally.

Stulenyky are shaped into either elongated or closed pies, with the edges pinched together on top, sometimes leaving an open center. They are fried in oil or lard, giving them a delicious golden crust.

These pastries are less common today, but they are still remembered as a festive dish served at weddings or for guests.

Stulenyky are made from yeast dough (photo: screenshot from Youtube.com/@julimov)

How to make stulenyky

For the dough, you will need:

• 1 cup of warm water (200 ml)
• 2 tablespoons of oil
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 25 g of fresh yeast or 1 teaspoon of dry yeast
• Optionally, 1 teaspoon of turmeric

Gradually add flour to make the dough thick and soft. Knead the dough, shape it into round or elongated pieces, and tightly seal the edges to prevent them from opening while frying.

Heat the oil in a pan and fry the stulenyky on both sides until golden and crispy.

If using a filling (such as onions with lard or even jam, as an option), place it in the center before sealing. The main idea is to make the dough soft, easy to eat by hand, with a delicious crust and juicy inside.

Stulenyky are brushed with oil (photo: screenshot from Youtube.com/@julimov)

Culinary variations and serving

In the Dnipro region, stulenyky filled with sautéed onions and lard are popular and considered a Ukrainian classic.

Modern recipes include versions with jam, such as plum jam, which gives a tangy and slightly sweet taste. These stulenyky can be baked or fried depending on personal taste preferences and kitchen equipment available.

They are served hot with soups, milk, or tea, often as breakfast or a quick snack. Possible homemade variations include adding turmeric to the dough for a more vibrant color or using honey or cottage cheese fillings.

This is a versatile and authentic dish perfect for a cozy, homely atmosphere.

Stulenyky can have any filling (photo: screenshot from Youtube.com/@julimov)

Sources: recipe from the Youtube channel "Yulia Movchan," information from Wikipedia.