If you’ve ever craved dumplings but didn’t want to roll out dough, fill, pinch, and fold like you're prepping for a dumpling-making marathon, Russian lazy dumplings might just become your new favorite comfort food. These dumplings—called "lenivye vareniki" in Russian—are essentially a pillowy soft mix of ricotta (or cottage cheese), eggs, semolina, and flour, gently boiled and often served with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of butter. They’re the weekday, no-fuss cousin to more elaborate Eastern European dumplings like pelmeni, pierogi, and varenyky. Think of it as the shortcut version of a ukrainian cheese dumplings recipe—no dough, no filling, just soft, cheesy deliciousness in every bite.
This dish is often eaten for Russian breakfast, especially for kids, but it’s so versatile you could enjoy it for lunch or dessert. Plus, it’s a wonderful gateway recipe if you’ve ever wondered how to make Ukrainian dumplings or try your hand at a cheese dumplings halushky traditional recipe but weren’t ready to go full traditional just yet. Whether you're new to Eastern European cuisine or already a fan of polish dumplings recipe homemade, this quick and comforting dish is the perfect place to start.
Russian Lazy Dumplings with Ricotta and Semolina
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Breakfast, Dessert, Main Course
Cuisine Polish, Russian, Ukrainian
Large Mixing Bowl for combining the dough
Wooden Spoon or Spatula to mix the ingredients
Large pot for boiling water
Slotted spoon to retrieve dumplings gently from boiling water
Knife or dough scraper to cut the dumpling dough into small pieces
Colander or fine mesh sieve if using cottage cheese, to drain excess moisture
Ricotta cheese
- 1 cup or substitute with well-drained cottage cheese for a more traditional take, see notes below
Semolina flour
- 1/3 cup adds structure and a tender bite
All-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup plus more for dusting
Sugar
- 2 tablespoons adjust for sweetness, especially if serving as dessert
Vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon optional, enhances sweetness for a dessert version
Butter
- 2 tablespoons melted (for serving)
Sour cream or fruit preserves
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the ricotta (or well-drained cottage cheese), egg, sugar, vanilla (if using), and salt. Mix until smooth. Add the semolina flour and stir to combine. Then gradually add the all-purpose flour until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
Tip: The dough should hold together but still be soft. Too much flour will make the dumplings dense.
Step 2: Shape the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface. Divide the dough into 2 or 3 sections. Roll each into a long rope about 3/4-inch thick. With a knife or dough scraper, cut the ropes into small, bite-sized pieces—about 1 inch long.
Step 3: Boil the Dumplings
Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil (not a full rolling boil, or the dumplings may fall apart). Drop the dumplings in and stir gently to prevent sticking.
Once they float to the surface (about 2–3 minutes), let them cook for another 1–2 minutes. Then remove them with a slotted spoon and transfer to a serving bowl.
Step 4: Serve Warm
Drizzle with melted butter and serve with sour cream or fruit preserves like cherry or raspberry. Some even enjoy them with honey or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Variation: For a savory version, skip the sugar and vanilla, and serve with sour cream and fried onions or bacon bits.
Pairings
Lazy dumplings are delightfully versatile and can swing sweet or savory depending on your toppings.
- For breakfast: Serve with sour cream and a spoonful of jam or honey for a protein-rich, sweet start to your day. This works well if you're familiar with russian breakfast traditions.
- For dessert: Try them with fruit compote or even a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for a cozy treat.
- For a savory twist: Pair them with caramelized onions, crispy bacon, or sautéed mushrooms for a riff on saucy baked dumplings—or go full Eastern European by adding a dollop of garlic sour cream and dill.
- With a soup: A small portion of these dumplings can also be served as a side to a light broth-based soup, similar to flat dumplings recipe homemade versions that accompany chicken soup in Polish households.
If you’re a fan of the rich and savory flavors in polish meat dumplings, you might enjoy serving these dumplings alongside grilled kielbasa or smoked sausage for a hearty lunch.
FAQs
1. Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Absolutely! In fact, cottage cheese dumplings are more traditional in many Ukrainian and Polish households. Just make sure to drain the cottage cheese thoroughly through a sieve or cheesecloth to remove excess moisture. The result will be slightly grainier in texture, but still delicious.
2. Can I freeze lazy dumplings?
Yes. After shaping the dumplings, place them on a floured baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a zip-top bag. When ready to cook, boil them straight from frozen—just add 2–3 extra minutes of cooking time.
3. How do these differ from traditional pelmeni or pierogi?
Pelmeni and pierogi are filled dumplings made with rolled dough and stuffed with meat, potatoes, or cheese. Lazy dumplings skip the dough wrapping entirely, mixing the filling and dough into one. They're quicker to make and more similar in method to a homemade dumplings recipe or cheese dumplings recipe rather than a polish dumplings recipe with stuffing.
4. Are lazy dumplings the same as halushky?
Not exactly, but they're in the same family. Halushky is a broader term used in Ukrainian and Slovak cuisines for soft, boiled dough pieces, often served with cheese or sauerkraut. This version leans more toward cheese dumplings halushky traditional recipe but with a shortcut approach.
5. Can I make these gluten-free?
You can try substituting the flour with a gluten-free blend and using almond flour or cornmeal in place of semolina. Just keep in mind that the dough texture might change, and you may need to tweak the ratios.
