Travelers, donuts, shulikas – sweet traditions of our ancestors

Sweets have always been an important part of Ukrainian culture. Even our ancestors knew how to treat themselves to delicious food without complex recipes and overseas ingredients. They used what nature provided: honey, poppy seeds, flour, eggs and milk. Some traditional treats have come down to us through the ages, and today we can recreate these ancient recipes with a taste of history. So let's get to know more about mandriks, donuts and shulyks –, the real gastronomic heritage of Ukraine.

Mandriks – are small loose donuts or cakes that have been prepared by Ukrainians since time immemorial, especially on the day of the Holy Apostle Peter and Paul (July 12). According to legend, shepherds who grazed sheep in the mountains took these sweet delicacies with them on long journeys, hence the name – mandrikas.

They were prepared on the basis of cheese or sour milk, with the addition of eggs, flour, sometimes – pinches of salt and honey. Fried in an oven or in a pan, and then generously poured with honey. It was not only a tasty, but also a nutritious dish that was stored for a long time and gave strength on the road.

Pampushki in our kitchen are most often associated with borscht, but there is also a sweet version of this dish. They have a delicate texture and airy structure, because they are prepared on yeast dough.

Sweet donuts were traditionally sprinkled with powdered sugar, poured with honey or poppy sauce. They were often prepared for Christmas, Easter or wedding celebrations. Pampushki seemed especially tasty to children when served with homemade jam or fresh berries.

Shulyki – is one of the oldest ritual dishes of Ukrainians, which has long been prepared for Makovia (August 14). They can be called the ancestors of modern tortillas.

Shuliks were made from unleavened dough on water or milk, baked in the oven until crispy, and then broken into small pieces and generously poured with diluted honey and poppy seeds. The poppy seeds for this dish were necessarily ground in a makitra until they became milky and tender. Such a dessert had not only a hearty, but also a symbolic meaning. – shulyks were associated with fertility, wealth and amulet from evil forces.

These three dishes – are just a small part of the rich gastronomic heritage of Ukrainians. They are not only delicious, but also carry the history, culture and traditions of our ancestors. Today we can make mandrikes, donuts or shulikas in our own kitchen using the same ingredients as our grandmothers and great-grandmothers.By reviving these traditions, we not only taste ancient recipes, but also pass on to our descendants the culture of the Ukrainian table – generous, warm and full of love.