A Blend of Tradition and Innovation

It is true that some traditional Ukrainian dishes require a little extra creative coaxing, but most are uncomplicated, everyday fare that do not take a long time to prepare. Many even taste better after sitting a day or two in your refrigerator. Please take liberties as you wish: add something of your own to a dish, or simplify it, or prepare only the part that interests you. Never feel like you must do all or nothing. I revised some dishes to be fast and modern, geared toward those who choose to live life in the fast lane, while other dishes require slow braising, stewing, and roasting—building the appetite for what is yet to come. Having a repertoire of useful recipes such as these can prove indispensable to any household and Ukrainian fare lends itself well to family life. I parallel this trend by introducing (or reminding) readers that Ukrainian dishes naturally elicit a sense of returning to a monogamous relationship with meals, instead of relying on processed, packaged foods. A cook of any culinary level will be able to singlehandedly take foods all the way from the market, to the counter’s chopping block, to the stove, to the table.