Ukrainian Cuisine

Verhuny: Ukrainian Twisted Fried Pastries

Explore verhuny, a crisp twisted Ukrainian pastry, with practical notes on dough, frying and serving.

Twisted Ukrainian verhuny pastries dusted with sugar

Verhuny are a familiar home-style sweet made by cutting and twisting dough before frying. Names and formulas differ, and some versions are richer or more tender than others.

Shape a traditional twist

Roll dough thinly, cut strips and pass one end through a slit to form a simple twist. A consistent thickness helps the pastry brown evenly. Chill or rest the dough as the selected recipe directs.

Fry safely and dust after cooling

Fry a few pieces at a time in stable hot oil until lightly golden. Drain on a rack or paper and let excess oil fall away before dusting with sugar. Keep children away from hot oil and never leave it unattended.

Serve verhuny with tea

Offer the pastries with tea or coffee as a small sweet. They are not the same as yeast buns such as pampushky, though both can appear on a festive table.

Frequently asked questions

What are verhuny?

They are twisted pieces of dough fried until crisp or tender, depending on the recipe.

Are verhuny the same as angel wings?

They resemble fried pastries found elsewhere, but recipes and names vary by culture.

How do you keep them crisp?

Cool fully before storing in an airtight container.

Sources & editorial notes

This article introduces a dish through attributed cultural references and practical editorial guidance. Ukrainian recipes vary by region and household; the suggestions here are not a single official recipe. The accompanying image is an AI-generated editorial illustration, not a documentary photograph.

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