Entree: Ukraine – Eastern Ukraine – Пампушки з часниковим соусом ➤ Pampushky z chasnykovym sousom (Yeasted Ukrainian savory buns served with a garlicky herb sauce)

Serving Size: 6

Approximate Time

Prep 40 min

Cook 22 min

Additional 1 hr 45 min

Total 2 hrs 47 min

Ingredients

- 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk, about 100°F (38°C)
- 2 1/4 tsp (7 g) active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tbsp (30 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp (5 g) fine salt
- 2 tbsp (28 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, approx. 50 g
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil (for bowl)
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup (80–120 ml) warm water, as needed for dough
- 6 garlic cloves, approx. 0.6 oz (18 g), minced (for sauce)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) sunflower oil or neutral vegetable oil (for sauce)
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar (for sauce)
- 1 tsp (5 g) salt (for sauce)
- 2 tbsp (6 g) fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp (3 g) fresh dill, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 tbsp (30 g) unsalted butter, melted for brushing

Instructions

1. In a small bowl combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl whisk flour and salt. Stir in melted butter, egg, and the yeast mixture; add warm water a little at a time until a soft, slightly tacky dough forms.
3. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1–1.5 hours.
4. Punch dough down, divide into 12 equal pieces, shape into balls, place on a baking sheet lined with parchment about 1 in (2.5 cm) apart. Cover and let proof 30–45 minutes until puffy.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush buns lightly with melted butter and bake 18–22 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove to a rack.
6. Meanwhile, make the garlic sauce: in a bowl mash minced garlic with salt to a paste, whisk in vinegar, then slowly whisk in oil to form a loose emulsion. Stir in chopped parsley and dill if using.
7. While buns are still warm, brush with additional melted butter, then serve with the garlic sauce on the side or spooned over the buns before serving. Pampushky are traditionally served warm with borscht or as a savory bread course.