Show 540, August 26, 2023: Chef Anna Voloshyna, Author, BUDMO! – Recipes from a Ukrainian Kitchen Part One

Cookbook Author Anna Voloshyna

“Ukrainian-born Chef Anna Voloshyna is the author of BUDMO! Recipes from a Ukrainian Kitchen. Celebrate the rich culture of Ukrainian cuisine with these traditional Eastern European recipes infused with a fresh, contemporary approach for today’s home kitchen, from one of today’s most exciting young chefs of Ukrainian cuisine.”

“With its emphasis on fresh ingredients, time-honored heritage, and warm hospitality, Eastern European cuisine is having a culinary moment, in addition to Ukraine being of great current interest.”

“Meaning “cheers!” in Ukrainian, Budmo! is the first cookbook to celebrate classic Eastern European recipes with a modern, creative twist. Presented by Ukrainian-born, California-based chef, blogger, and culinary instructor Anna Voloshyna, bright flavors and vibrant ingredients sing from each plate. A gorgeous magenta pkhali comes alive with roasted beets and a tangy pomegranate molasses. Borscht is reinvented with green sorrels and semi-soft eggs. And Voloshyna even shares a personal recipe for her Ukrainian grandmother’s duck—roasted to a delicious crispy-brown perfection. These are the dishes that are perfect for gathering your favorite people with, and each one is bound to uncover the mouthwatering flavors and traditions of this endlessly fascinating part of the world.”

Anna Voloshyna was born in southern Ukraine in 1990 and relocated to the United States in 2011. She is a chef, blogger, and culinary instructor who translates Eastern European cuisine and flavors into approachable dishes for the modern home cook, and is particularly known for her wildly successful pop-up dinners and workshops. She resides with her husband in the San Francisco Bay Area.”

Chef Anna graciously shares with us her recipe for Golden Beet Vinegret Salad from the Starters, Salads, and Spreads Chapter.

Chef Anna Voloshyna is our guest sharing the secrets of the Ukrainian Kitchen.

Show 540, August 26, 2023: Chef Anna Voloshyna, Author, BUDMO! – Recipes from a Ukrainian Kitchen Part Two

Cookbook Author Anna Voloshyna

“Ukrainian-born Chef Anna Voloshyna is the author of BUDMO! Recipes from a Ukrainian Kitchen. Celebrate the rich culture of Ukrainian cuisine with these traditional Eastern European recipes infused with a fresh, contemporary approach for today’s home kitchen, from one of today’s most exciting young chefs of Ukrainian cuisine.”

“With its emphasis on fresh ingredients, time-honored heritage, and warm hospitality, Eastern European cuisine is having a culinary moment, in addition to Ukraine being of great current interest.”

“Meaning “cheers!” in Ukrainian, Budmo! is the first cookbook to celebrate classic Eastern European recipes with a modern, creative twist. Presented by Ukrainian-born, California-based chef, blogger, and culinary instructor Anna Voloshyna, bright flavors and vibrant ingredients sing from each plate. A gorgeous magenta pkhali comes alive with roasted beets and a tangy pomegranate molasses. Borscht is reinvented with green sorrels and semi-soft eggs. And Voloshyna even shares a personal recipe for her Ukrainian grandmother’s duck—roasted to a delicious crispy-brown perfection. These are the dishes that are perfect for gathering your favorite people with, and each one is bound to uncover the mouthwatering flavors and traditions of this endlessly fascinating part of the world.”

Anna Voloshyna was born in southern Ukraine in 1990 and relocated to the United States in 2011. She is a chef, blogger, and culinary instructor who translates Eastern European cuisine and flavors into approachable dishes for the modern home cook, and is particularly known for her wildly successful pop-up dinners and workshops. She resides with her husband in the San Francisco Bay Area.”

Chef Anna graciously shares with us her recipe for Golden Beet Vinegret Salad from the Starters, Salads, and Spreads Chapter.

Chef Anna Voloshyna is our guest sharing the secrets of the Ukrainian Kitchen. Think Thick Kefir Oladky (thick and fluffy pancakes.)

Golden Beet Vinegret Salad

Golden Beet Vinegret Salad by Anna Voloshyna

Recipe excerpt from:
BUDMO!: Recipes from a Ukrainian Kitchen

by Anna Voloshyna

This traditional Slavic beet salad is called vinegret. I came up with this version of the recipe when I ran out of red beets and fresh onions. I found a few golden beets and a jar of pickled red onions in my fridge, and I decided to give it a go. The salad came out so vibrant and beautiful that now I make this version more often than the traditional one. The only thing I would never change is the unrefined sunflower oil. That is what makes this salad taste authentic.

Serves 6 to 8

  • 3 medium golden beets 
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper 
  • 3 medium carrots
  • 2 large Yukon Gold potatoes 
  • 1 cup shelled green peas (fresh or frozen) 
  • 5 large kosher dill pickles
  • 1/2 cup Pickled Red Onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill and flat-leaf parsley, in equal parts 
  • 1/3 cup unrefined sunflower oil
  • 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon sugar

In a medium saucepan, combine the beets with water to cover by about 2 inches and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until the beets can be easily pierced with a knife, 30 to 40 minutes. In a separate medium saucepan, cook the carrots and potatoes using the same method. When the vegetables are ready, drain them, transfer them to a medium bowl, and let them cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes. 

Meanwhile, bring a small saucepan filled with water to a boil. Fill a small bowl with ice-cold water. Season the boiling water with a pinch of salt, then add the peas and blanch until they are bright green and no longer taste starchy, about 2 minutes. Drain the peas and immerse them in the ice-cold water until they are completely cool, 3 to 5 minutes. Drain the peas and spread them on a paper towel to dry. 

When the beets, potatoes, and carrots are at room temperature, peel them, cut them into 1/4-inch cubes, and transfer them to a large bowl. Cut the pickles and pickled onion into the same-size cubes and add them to the bowl along with the peas, dill, and parsley.

In a small bowl, mix together the oil, vinegar, and sugar with a fork, then season to taste with salt and pepper . Drizzle as much of the dressing as you like over the salad; you may not need all of it. Mix well with a large spoon, then taste and add more dressing and salt if needed. 

Enjoy the salad at room temperature or chilled. It will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days .