
22 Sep Yavorivs’kiy Pie – Ukrainian Potato and Buckwheat Pie
This rustic savory potato and buckwheat pie is native to Western Ukraine and called Yavorivs’kiy Pie. Traditionally it has been served during big religious holidays like Christmas and Easter. It’s filled with silky mashed potato, fried onion, and boiled buckwheat. Serve it with a side of fried wild mushrooms in autumn, and a glass of cold kefir in summer.


Yavorivs’kiy Pie
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 1 cup lukewarm milk
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil plus more for oiling the pan
- 3 cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg lightly beaten
- sesame seeds and caraway seed for sprinkling optional
For the filling:
- 3/4 cups buckwheat
- 1 pound potatoes peeled and cubed
- 1 large onion diced
- 1/3 cup chives finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Whisk the warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Cover with a kitchen towel and leave for 5 to 10 minutes or until the mixture is foamy. Mix in the egg yolks, oil, flour, and salt. Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and knead until you get a smooth elastic dough, it will take you about 10 minutes. Place the dough in a clean bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Leave for 1 to 3 hours, until the dough doubles in size.
- To make the filling:
- In a small saucepan, combine the buckwheat, 1 2/3 cups water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Change the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Continue cooking for 12 minutes, until the buckwheat is soft, but not mushy.
- In a separate saucepan, place the diced potatoes and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until potatoes are soft. Remove from the heat and mash with 1 tablespoon of butter into a smooth puree. Set aside.
- In a medium pan, heat the remaining butter and oil and fry the onion until golden and crispy, for about 10 minutes. Combine the fried onion, buckwheat, mashed potato, and chives in a large bowl, season to taste with salt.
To assemble the pie:
- Preheat the oven to 375F. Brush the 8-inch springform metal baking pan with melted butter or oil, set aside.
- Punch down dough and place it on a lightly floured surface. Divide it into two pieces, one large and the other is tennis ball-size. You will need a smaller part to make decoration for your pie. If you don’t want to do it, then simply omit that step and don’t divide the dough.
- Roll out a larger portion into a big 1/4-inch thick circle. Mound the filling in the center of the circle and carefully fold the edges together, sealing them on top. You will get a ball-shaped pie. Lightly press it with your hands to make it approximately 8 inches in diameter. Place the pie seam side down into the baking pan and prick the top of the crust a few times with a fork to help release the air sitting baking. Brush the pie with the egg wash. Use the remaining dough to decorate the pie as you wish. Place the decorations on top of the brushed pie, and cover them with a think layer of the remaining egg wash. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and caraway seed.
- Bake the pie for 40 to 50 until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This pie tastes fantastic with a side of creamy mushroom sauce or a dollop of sour cream.
Olga Lamb
Posted at 18:06h, 04 OctoberThis recipe is amazingly delicious! It worked out perfectly on my first attempt. I did add chopped butcher’s bacon and garlic to the buckwheat the pastry turned out beyond my exlectations. I served the pie with dried mushroom gravy and my husband was very happy
Anna Voloshyna
Posted at 09:45h, 12 OctoberI’m happy you like it so much!!
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Posted at 10:10h, 25 March[…] religious holidays from the western region of Ukraine. Spoiler alert: this pie is delicious! If you‘re looking to try a new recipe for Easter celebration I would encourage you to try it! The recipe I […]
Ashok
Posted at 21:52h, 30 JuneThanks for sharing this amazing recipe.my family loved it.will be sharing this recipe with my friends.they will like it.
Anna Voloshyna
Posted at 13:24h, 20 JulyYay! I’m so happy your family loved it 🙂
Julie Cole
Posted at 07:20h, 06 AprilCan’t wait to try this recipe with the buckwheat I have been given.