I’m thinking I’m like many of you, in that Ukraine and the Ukrainian people are very much on my mind. Just one very small way I might raise awareness about Ukraine, is to talk about their traditional diet. Ukraine is often referred to as the breadbasket of Europe and wheat and grain are central to the Ukrainian traditional diet. I’m no expert by far, but as I understand it, common Ukrainian dishes are based on grains such as rye and wheat, but then rich in vegetables such as potato, cabbages, mushrooms and beets. The national dish of Ukraine and apparently one that originated from Ukraine is borscht. But something called varenyky and holubtsi are also considered to be national dishes. Varenyky are what most of us call Pierogi. A pierogi is like a dumpling with a flour/water dough stuffed with yummies like mashed potatoes, onions, quark or farmer cheese, cabbage, sauerkraut, meat, mushrooms, spinach, cheese. There are also dessert versions with fruits and maybe sour cream added. A holubtsi, aka cabbage roll consists of cooked cabbage leaves wrapped around various fillings and traditionally would include beef, lamb and/or pork with garlic/onion seasonings and grains, mushrooms and vegetables. 
I mentioned borscht, but out of the numerous soups common to Ukraine, it is clearly my favorite, although I have not tried all. Borscht is a vegetable soup made of beets, cabbage, potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, onions, garlic and dill, although for sure there are many varieties and some may have meat or fish.
There are several salads, but look for the sauerkraut, beets, pickles as a theme. Other main courses, salads, appetizers, desserts abound but here’s a dessert I have had: Pampushky, a sweet dough similar to doughnut holes and then likely tossed with sugar and filled with rose preserve if it’s traditional but you can frequently find other sweet or savory fillings.
Ukraine does produce wine that I found online. And, speaking of online, I encourage us all to seek ways in which we might support the Ukrainian economy and people from afar. Food and beverage might be one way. Consider searching Ukrainian food items and wine, but perhaps more locally at groceries and bakeries that specialize in Ukrainian food and beverage items. It is likely that Ukrainians own and work in those businesses, and it is likely they have family back home that they are also supporting, especially now.
If nothing else, explore the food and experiment in your own kitchen, and think thoughts of peace and how we can all walk more gently and safely on this mother earth of ours.
