Verenika

Recipe View 5 mins In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, 2 eggs, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Use an electric mixer to beat until smooth. Set the cheese filling aside. (Prep time: 5 minutes)

Recipe View 10 mins In a large bowl, whisk together flour, milk powder, baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. In a separate small bowl, beat together the remaining 2 eggs, water, and oil. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a smooth dough forms. (Prep time: 10 minutes)

Recipe View 15 mins Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth, about 10 times. Divide the dough in half. Roll out each portion to approximately 1/8-inch thickness. Use a 4-inch round cutter to cut out circles of dough. (Prep time: 15 minutes)

Recipe View 20 mins Place 1 tablespoon of the cottage cheese filling in the center of each dough round. Moisten the edges of the dough with water, fold over to form a half-moon shape, and pinch the edges firmly to seal. Ensure there are no gaps to prevent filling from escaping during cooking. (Prep time: 20 minutes)

Recipe View 20 mins Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Gently add half of the dumplings to the boiling water. Cook until they are tender and float to the surface, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the cooked dumplings with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a plate. Repeat with the remaining dumplings. (Cook time: 20 minutes)

Recipe View 15 mins While the dumplings are cooking, prepare the gravy. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add the cubed ham and cook until lightly browned. Stir in 3 tablespoons of flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Gradually pour in the warm milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue to cook and stir until the gravy thickens and becomes bubbly. (Cook time: 15 minutes)

Recipe View Serve the warm Verenika immediately, generously smothered in the creamy ham gravy. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired.