A Detailed, Home-Cook Friendly Guide
Vushka — also known as ushka, vushka dumplings, or Christmas mushroom dumplings — are tiny, folded dumplings traditionally served with hot mushroom broth or Ukrainian Christmas borscht. They are delicate, flavorful, and deeply symbolic in Ukrainian (and Polish) Christmas Eve cuisine.
Below is a complete recipe adapted for American kitchens — using ingredients you can easily find in U.S. grocery stores. At the end, you’ll also find instructions on how to use frozen vushka from Ukrainian Flavors, made from our special 70% mushroom – 30% potato recipe.
Ingredients (U.S.-Friendly Version)
For the Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup warm water
- 1 tsp oil (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
- For the Filling
(This recipe mimics the traditional Ukrainian flavor using U.S.-available products)
- 12 oz fresh mushrooms (cremini, baby bella, or wild mix)
- half of small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp butter or oil
- ½ cup mashed potatoes (plain, unsalted)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: 1–2 tbsp dried mushrooms rehydrated in hot water for deeper flavor
To Serve
- Clear mushroom broth, vegetable broth, or Christmas red borscht
Step-by-Step: How to Make Vushka
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Make a small well and add the egg and warm water.
- Knead until smooth and elastic (7–10 minutes).
- Cover and let it rest for 20–30 minutes.
Resting helps the dough stretch thinly — important because vushka should be very delicate.
2. Make the Mushroom Filling
- Finely chop all mushrooms (very small pieces are traditional).
- In a pan, sauté onions in butter/oil until soft.
- Add mushrooms and cook until all moisture evaporates.
- Add the mashed potatoes and mix until smooth.
- Season well — vushka filling should be savory and aromatic.
- Cool the filling completely before shaping dumplings.
3. Shape the Vushka
This is what makes vushka special — the signature folded shape.
- Roll the dough very thin (almost like Italian ravioli).
- Cut into 1-inch squares.
- Place a tiny amount of filling in the center.
- Fold into a triangle and pinch edges tightly.
- Bring two corners together to form a little “ear” shape.
You can dust lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
4. Cook the Vushka
- Bring salted water to a boil.
- Drop vushka into the pot.
- Once they float, cook for 2–3 more minutes.
- Drain gently.
- Vushka are now ready to be served or added to broth.
How to Serve Vushka
Traditionally, vushka are added to:
1. Christmas Mushroom Broth (Ukrainian tradition)
A clear broth made from dried mushrooms and vegetables.
2. Christmas Red Borscht (Polish and Ukrainian variation)
Vushka are served like tortellini inside the soup.
3. As a side dish
Toss with a little butter and herbs — a delicious appetizer.
Frozen Vushka from Ukrainian Flavors
(For those who prefer authentic taste without hours of preparation)
At Ukrainian Flavors, you can order frozen vushka made using our special ratio:
✔️ 70% mushrooms
✔️ 30% potato purée
This gives the perfect balance of deep mushroom flavor and soft, delicate texture — just like homemade.
✨ Limited Holiday Release
Our vushka are available only in December in limited quantities, made fresh and frozen immediately to preserve quality.
How to Use Frozen Vushka (Cooking Instructions)
Boiling Method (Best for Soup/Borscht)
- Bring a pot of lightly salted water to boil.
- Add the frozen vushka directly — do NOT thaw.
- Stir gently.
- When they float, cook 1–2 more minutes.
- Drain and add immediately to broth or borscht.
🍽️ Serving Ideas with Frozen Vushka
1. Classic Christmas Borscht
Ladle hot borscht into bowls and add 6-8 vushka per serving.
2. Mushroom Broth
Simple, elegant, and deeply traditional.
3. Pan-Fried Vushka
After boiling:
- toss in butter
- add rosemary, or a little garlic
- serve as a crispy appetizer
4. Mini Dumpling Bowl
Serve with:
- caramelized onions
- mushroom gravy
- sour cream
- fresh dill
Bringing Tradition Home
Whether you prepare them from scratch or buy the frozen version from Ukrainian Flavors, vushka bring a taste of Ukrainian Christmas to your American home — warm, comforting, and full of family memories.
