Eastern European food is known for its comforting qualities, with recipes passed down through generations. Each dish tells a story of family, tradition, and the simple pleasures of a home-cooked meal. My grandmother’s dishes are no different—each one reminds me of babushka in the best way possible.
In this collection, you’ll find 17 timeless recipes that are central to Eastern European tables, and that I learned from my grandma. They’re the kind of meals that fill the house with inviting aromas and bring everyone to the table.
Bringing these dishes into your own kitchen is like opening a door to a world where food is made with care and enjoyed at a leisurely pace. It’s not just about eating; it’s about creating memories around the dining table.
Bosnian Pita Pie
A savory Bosnian Pita Pie combines flaky phyllo dough with a hearty filling, typically spinach and cheese. This dish, taking around an hour to prepare, is a staple in Eastern European cuisine and offers a satisfying, comforting taste. Its main ingredients include phyllo pastry, a choice of filling like spinach or potatoes, and a rich dairy component such as cheese or sour cream. The result is a golden, crispy pie with a warm, gooey center.
Get the Recipe: Bosnian Pita Pie
Gluten-Free Cherry Cobbler
Gluten-Free Cherry Cobbler is a delightful dessert that caters to those with dietary restrictions without compromising on taste. Ready in about an hour, it features ripe cherries topped with a light, biscuit-like crust. The main ingredients are fresh or frozen cherries, gluten-free flour blend, and a touch of sugar to balance the tartness of the fruit. The cobbler has a sweet, fruity flavor with a comforting, crumbly texture.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Cherry Cobbler
Uzbek Chicken Plov
Uzbek Chicken Plov is a fragrant rice dish that boasts flavors of cumin, coriander, and garlic. It takes about two hours to create this one-pot meal, which is made with long-grain rice, tender chicken pieces, and an array of vegetables like carrots and onions. The dish is known for its savory taste and aromatic spices. Plov is a cherished comfort food that often graces the table during festive occasions.
Get the Recipe: Uzbek Chicken Plov
Spiced Cranberry Mors
Spiced Cranberry Mors is a traditional Eastern European beverage that combines tart cranberries with sweet spices. This drink, which takes about 45 minutes to prepare, is made from cranberries, sugar, and spices such as cloves and cinnamon. It’s typically served chilled and offers a refreshing, tangy taste with a hint of warmth from the spices. Mors is a perfect accompaniment to any meal or as a standalone treat.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Cranberry Mors
Buckwheat Kasha with Caramelized Mushrooms and Onions
Buckwheat Kasha with Caramelized Mushrooms and Onions is a hearty and nutritious dish that takes roughly 30 minutes to prepare. Buckwheat groats are the star ingredient, accompanied by earthy mushrooms and sweet onions that have been cooked down to enhance their natural flavors. The dish has a nutty, savory taste and is often enjoyed as a satisfying side or a main course. This kasha is a staple in Eastern European homes, offering comfort in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Buckwheat Kasha with Caramelized Mushrooms and Onions
Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes
Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes is a simple yet flavorful dish that requires about an hour to bake. The main ingredients include chicken marinated in tangy buttermilk, which tenderizes the meat, and potatoes that roast to perfection alongside the chicken. This meal is well-loved for its juicy, succulent chicken and crispy, golden potatoes. It’s a classic comfort food that’s both nourishing and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes
Baked Creamy Salmon
Baked Creamy Salmon is an elegant dish that takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare and is perfect for a comforting yet sophisticated meal at home. The salmon is baked in a rich sauce made from cream and herbs, resulting in a moist and flaky texture. Key ingredients include fresh salmon fillets, cream, and a blend of herbs that provide a subtle, savory flavor. This dish is a testament to the simplicity and richness of Eastern European cuisine.
Get the Recipe: Baked Creamy Salmon
Cold Bulgarian Soup with Kefir, Cucumbers, Dill, Walnuts, and Feta
Cold Bulgarian Soup is a refreshing and light dish that can be made in about 15 minutes, ideal for hot summer days. This chilled soup combines kefir with cucumbers, dill, walnuts, and feta cheese, creating a unique blend of textures and flavors. The tanginess of kefir and feta is balanced by the fresh taste of cucumbers and dill. It’s a nutritious and cooling dish that’s both satisfying and invigorating.
Get the Recipe: Cold Bulgarian Soup with Kefir, Cucumbers, Dill, Walnuts, and Feta
Jeweled Vegetarian Rice Plov
Jeweled Vegetarian Rice Plov is a colorful and aromatic dish that typically takes about an hour to cook. It’s packed with a variety of vegetables, dried fruits, and nuts, all mixed into perfectly steamed rice. The main ingredients include carrots, chickpeas, raisins, and almonds, which together create a sweet and savory taste with a hint of spice. This vegetarian plov is a feast for the senses and a staple at celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Jeweled Vegetarian Rice Plov
Ukrainian Cucumber Salad
Ukrainian Cucumber Salad is a crisp and tangy side dish that’s ready in just 10 minutes. It’s made with fresh cucumbers, dill, and a simple dressing of vinegar and oil. The main ingredients are complemented by the addition of onions or radishes, adding a sharp bite to the salad. This salad is known for its refreshing taste and is often served alongside heavier meals to provide balance.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Cucumber Salad
Homemade Gefilte Fish with Beet Chrein
Homemade Gefilte Fish with Beet Chrein is a traditional dish that takes several hours to prepare, often served during festive Jewish holidays. The gefilte fish is made from a mixture of ground fish, onions, and eggs, while the beet chrein is a spicy horseradish condiment. The combination of the mild, tender fish patties and the sharp, colorful chrein creates a contrast in flavors. This dish is a beloved part of Eastern European Jewish cuisine.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Gefilte Fish with Beet Chrein
Sautéed Cabbage with Peppers
Sautéed Cabbage with Peppers is a vibrant and healthy side dish that takes about 20 minutes to cook. It combines the sweetness of bell peppers with the mild, earthy flavor of cabbage. The main ingredients are cabbage and peppers, with a touch of seasoning to enhance their natural tastes. This dish is often enjoyed for its simplicity and the comforting, home-cooked feel it brings to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Cabbage with Peppers
Vegetarian Ukrainian Borscht
Vegetarian Ukrainian Borscht is a warming soup that typically requires about an hour to simmer to perfection. It’s a beet-based dish that achieves a deep, ruby-red color and is filled with a variety of vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and cabbage. The main ingredients also include a tangy touch of tomato paste and a dollop of sour cream served on top. Borscht is famed for its rich, savory flavor and is a quintessential Eastern European comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Ukrainian Borscht
Apple Cranberry Muffins with Streusel Topping
Apple Cranberry Muffins with Streusel Topping are a sweet treat that takes about 30 minutes to bake. These muffins are loaded with chunks of apple and tart cranberries, topped with a crumbly streusel. The main ingredients are apples, cranberries, and a cinnamon-spiced batter. The combination of fruit and streusel provides a delightful texture and taste that’s perfect for a cozy breakfast or snack.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cranberry Muffins with Streusel Topping
Mushroom Leek Pasta Kugel
Mushroom Leek Pasta Kugel is a savory baked dish that requires about an hour to prepare. It’s made with pasta, typically egg noodles, and is enriched with sautéed mushrooms and leeks. The main ingredients are bound together with eggs and often a creamy sauce, resulting in a rich, comforting flavor. This kugel is a beloved comfort food in Eastern European Jewish cuisine, offering a warm and satisfying experience.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Leek Pasta Kugel
Traditional Russian Blintzes
Traditional Russian Blintzes are thin, crepe-like pancakes filled with sweet cheese or fruit fillings. Preparing these can take up to an hour, including cooking the blintzes and preparing the filling. The main ingredients are a simple batter and a choice of filling, such as sweetened farmer’s cheese or jam. Blintzes have a delicate, buttery taste and are a cherished treat for breakfast or dessert.
Get the Recipe: Traditional Russian Blintzes
The Perfect Rice Pilaf
The Perfect Rice Pilaf is a versatile side dish that takes about 30 minutes to cook. It involves simmering rice with broth and a medley of spices until fluffy and aromatic. The main ingredients include rice, onions, and a blend of spices like turmeric and cumin. This pilaf is celebrated for its subtle, savory flavor and is a staple in many Eastern European households.
Get the Recipe: The Perfect Rice Pilaf