Traditional Christmas Pampukh: Family Recipe for Holy Evening.

According to ТСН: Since ancient times, Ukrainians have prepared pampukh for Holy Evening, which are considered symbols of the sun, life, and eternity. It was believed that the fluffier and tastier the pampukh on the festive table, the more generous the next year would be.

A family recipe for vegetarian pampukh, which is among the 12 dishes on the festive table, has been prepared.

The tradition of preparing pampukh is especially popular in western Ukraine, where they have become a true Christmas symbol. On Holy Evening, they were made without eggs and milk since the fast lasted, and they were fried after the appearance of the first star. These treats were offered to guests and carolers. Today, it is hard to imagine Holy Evening without pampukh.

Ingredients

• 200 ml of warm water

• 400 g of flour

• 25 g of 'live' yeast or 10 g of dry yeast

• 70 ml of oil

• 70 g of sugar

• 10 g of vanilla sugar

• zest of one orange

• a pinch of salt

• 50 g of powdered sugar for decoration

Preparation

1. Prepare the dough starter. In warm boiled water, dissolve 1-2 tablespoons of sugar and 100 g of sifted flour. Leave for 20-30 minutes in a warm place.

2. When the starter rises, add the orange zest, remaining sugar, vanilla sugar, a pinch of salt, and oil. Mix well.

3. Add sifted flour in portions to the mixture, kneading a dough that will stick slightly to your hands. You can add a bit more flour, but do not overdo it.

4. Form the dough into a ball, put it in a bowl, cover with a towel, and place it in a warm place for 60 minutes to rise. It should increase in volume by 2-2.5 times.

5. Form the pampukh. First method: roll the dough to a thickness of 0.5-1 cm, cut out circles, and form balls. Second method: cut the dough into several pieces, roll a 'sausage' and divide it into small parts to make balls.

6. Place the pampukh on a floured surface and leave for 20-30 minutes to rise.

7. Heat oil in a saucepan. Drop the pampukh one by one and fry on both sides until golden brown.

8. Fried pampukh is placed on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Optionally, they can be sprinkled with powdered sugar.

On Christmas, Ukrainians traditionally prepare 12 vegetarian dishes for Holy Evening, each of which has its own symbolism and meaning. This practice is an important part of the cultural heritage of the Ukrainian people, symbolizing family ties and fidelity to traditions.