Then we added one cup of boiling water and a tablespoon of oil. We mixed the ingredients together with a wooden spoon until the water was cool enough that we could use our hands. We kneaded the dough until it was ready to roll out into a thin sheet. We used a cup to cut out circles from the dough. In each circle, we put a small spoonful of filling before pinching the edges together. Finally, we boiled them in water and topped them with butter before eating. It was not very difficult but it took a long time!
The shape of the varenyky resembles the shape of the new moon. In the past, varenyky were used as sacrificial offerings to symbolize new beginnings and growth. When farmers had cows about to have a baby, they ate varenyky to wish for a healthy calf. During times of harvest, varenyky was thought to bring strength to farmers!
