Eastern European food is filled with comforting classics that warm you up from the inside out. These 17 meals are the heart and soul of the region’s traditional cooking, offering a taste of home.

They’re simple, hearty dishes that have been bringing families together around the dinner table for generations. Each recipe is a celebration of the straightforward, yet rich flavors that Eastern European cuisine is known for.

Cold Bulgarian Soup With Kefir, Cucumbers, Dill, Walnuts and Feta

This Cold Bulgarian soup blends the refreshing tang of kefir with crisp cucumbers, aromatic dill, crunchy walnuts, and creamy feta. It’s a chilled dish that takes about 20 minutes to prepare, offering a unique combination of flavors and textures. The soup’s taste is a balance between the sourness of the kefir and the salty feta, with an added herbal freshness from the dill. It’s a perfect light meal for a hot day.
Get the Recipe: Cold Bulgarian Soup With Kefir, Cucumbers, Dill, Walnuts and Feta

The Perfect Rice Pilaf

The perfect rice pilaf is a versatile dish requiring about 35 minutes to prepare, where rice is cooked to fluffy perfection alongside a medley of spices. It often includes ingredients like onions, carrots, and garlic, which lend their savory flavors to the rice. The final product is a subtly spiced, aromatic side dish that easily pairs with a variety of proteins. It’s a staple in Eastern European households, bringing warmth and comfort to any meal.
Get the Recipe: The Perfect Rice Pilaf

Gluten Free Cherry Cobbler

Gluten free cherry cobbler is a heartwarming dessert that takes about 45 minutes to bake, made with juicy cherries and a gluten-free topping. The main ingredients are cherries, a gluten-free flour blend, and sugar, which meld together in the oven to create a sweet, comforting treat. The taste is a perfect balance of tart cherries and a lightly sweetened, biscuit-like crust. This cobbler is a cozy end to any Eastern European meal, satisfying those with dietary restrictions.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Cherry Cobbler

Sauteed Cabbage With Peppers

Sauteed cabbage with peppers is a colorful dish that takes roughly 30 minutes to make, featuring tender cabbage and sweet bell peppers. The main ingredients are sautéed to create a simple yet satisfying side that complements any main course. Its taste is a gentle mingling of the natural sweetness of the vegetables with a hint of smokiness from the sautéing process. This dish is a staple in Eastern European cuisine, known for its hearty and comforting qualities.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Cabbage With Peppers

Jeweled Vegetarian Rice Plov

Jeweled vegetarian rice plov is a festive dish that takes about 1 hour to make, studded with dried fruits, nuts, and aromatic spices. It’s a vegetarian twist on the classic Eastern European plov, offering a sweet and savory flavor profile. The dish is known for its vibrant colors and rich, layered taste that’s both satisfying and indulgent. It makes for a beautiful centerpiece at any gathering, celebrating the region’s love for hearty, comforting meals.
Get the Recipe: Jeweled Vegetarian Rice Plov

Baked Creamy Salmon

Baked creamy salmon is a luxurious dish that requires approximately 25 minutes to prepare, featuring succulent salmon fillets enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce. The main ingredients include salmon, dairy, and herbs, which come together to create a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. The taste is a harmonious blend of the fish’s natural flavors with the smooth, indulgent sauce. It’s a beloved meal in Eastern European cuisine, perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in.
Get the Recipe: Baked Creamy Salmon

Ukrainian Cucumber Salad

Ukrainian Cucumber Salad is a crisp, refreshing dish that can be made in just 10 minutes, combining fresh cucumbers with dill, sour cream, and garlic. The salad’s main ingredients work together to create a light and tangy flavor that’s characteristic of Eastern European summer fare. It’s a delightful accompaniment to heavier dishes, offering a palate-cleansing freshness. This salad is a testament to the region’s appreciation for simple, yet flavorful, comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Cucumber Salad

Spiced Cranberry Mors

Spiced cranberry mors is a traditional beverage that takes around 25 minutes to prepare, infusing cranberries with a blend of warming spices. The drink’s main components are cranberries, sugar, and spices like cinnamon and cloves, which create a sweet and tart flavor profile. It’s typically enjoyed warm, offering a soothing and comforting experience. This mors is a festive addition to any Eastern European table, especially during the colder months.
Get the Recipe: Spiced cranberry mors

Buckwheat Kasha With Camarelized Mushrooms and Onions

Buckwheat kasha with caramelized mushrooms and onions is a hearty dish that requires about 30 minutes to cook, combining nutty buckwheat groats with savory mushrooms and sweet onions. The main ingredients meld together to create a rich, umami-packed flavor that’s deeply satisfying. The taste reflects the earthiness of the mushrooms and the natural sweetness of the onions. This dish is a beloved comfort food in Eastern European cuisine, enjoyed for its simplicity and depth of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Buckwheat Kasha With Camarelized Mushrooms and Onions

Bosnian Pita Pie

Bosnian Pita Pie is a savory pastry that takes roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes to bake, featuring layers of thin dough filled with a variety of ingredients such as cheese, spinach, or potatoes. The main ingredients provide a satisfying contrast between the crispy exterior and the rich, flavorful filling. Its taste is a delightful mix of buttery pastry and the chosen filling, which can range from tangy cheese to earthy spinach. This pie is a staple in Eastern European cuisine, known for its comforting and filling qualities.
Get the Recipe: Bosnian Pita Pie

Golumpki Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Golumpki Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a cherished Eastern European dish that takes about 2 hours to make, consisting of tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory mix of meat and rice. The main ingredients are cabbage, ground meat, rice, and tomato sauce, which come together to create a taste that’s both hearty and comforting. The rolls are simmered in a tangy tomato sauce, infusing them with flavor. Golumpki is a classic comfort food, often served on special occasions and family gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Golumpki Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Apple Cranberry Muffins with Streusel Topping

Apple Cranberry Muffins with Streusel Topping take about 30 minutes to bake, combining tart apples and cranberries with a sweet, crumbly topping. The muffins are made with ingredients like flour, sugar, apples, and cranberries, resulting in a taste that’s both sweet and slightly tart. The streusel topping adds a delightful crunch and extra sweetness. These muffins are a cozy treat, perfect for a comforting breakfast or a satisfying snack.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cranberry Muffins with Streusel Topping

Mushroom Leek Pasta Kugel

Mushroom leek pasta kugel is a warm, baked dish that requires about 1 hour to prepare, featuring pasta, earthy mushrooms, and sweet leeks. The main ingredients are baked together with eggs and cheese, creating a taste that’s rich and comforting. The dish is a fusion of tender pasta, savory vegetables, and a creamy, custard-like binding. It’s a comforting Eastern European meal that’s both filling and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Leek Pasta Kugel

Traditional Russian Blintzes

Traditional Russian blintzes are thin, crepe-like pancakes that take around 45 minutes to make, filled with sweet cheese or fruit fillings. The main ingredients are flour, eggs, and milk for the blintzes, and various fillings that offer a sweet or savory taste. They can be enjoyed as a dessert or a hearty breakfast, showcasing the versatility of Eastern European cuisine. Blintzes are a beloved comfort food, often served during celebrations or as a weekend treat.
Get the Recipe: Traditional Russian blintzes

Vegetarian Ukrainian Borscht

Vegetarian Ukrainian borscht is a vibrant soup that takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to simmer, packed with vegetables like beets, cabbage, and potatoes. The main ingredients create a taste that’s earthy, slightly sweet, and tangy, with a beautiful deep red color. It’s typically served with a dollop of sour cream, adding a creamy texture to the dish. Borscht is a quintessential Eastern European comfort food, warming and nourishing.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Ukrainian borscht

Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes

Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes is a comforting dish that takes about 1 hour to bake, featuring chicken marinated in buttermilk and baked with seasoned potatoes. The main ingredients are chicken, buttermilk, and potatoes, which come together to create a taste that’s savory with a hint of tanginess from the buttermilk. The chicken skin becomes crispy while the meat remains juicy, and the potatoes turn tender and flavorful. This meal is a classic Eastern European comfort food, perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes

Homemade Gefilte Fish Recipe with Beet Chrein

This homemade gefilte fish recipe with beet chrein takes approximately 2 hours to prepare, combining ground fish with onions and seasonings, served with a tangy beet horseradish sauce. The gefilte fish is poached, yielding a soft, delicate texture, while the beet chrein adds a sharp, vibrant contrast. The taste is a balance of the mild, sweet fish and the spicy, earthy sauce. This dish is a traditional Eastern European staple, especially during festive occasions.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Gefilte Fish Recipe with Beet Chrein