{"id":"recipe_8ecd10d2da","slug":"uzvar-traditional-ukrainian-dried-fruit-drink","title":"Uzvar (Traditional Ukrainian Dried Fruit Drink)","description":"A fragrant, smoky, and naturally sweet traditional Ukrainian national beverage made from a blend of dried fruits and honey, typically served during Christmas Eve and other holidays.","serves":8,"time":{"prepMinutes":10,"cookMinutes":20,"totalMinutes":270,"activeMinutes":15},"ingredients":[{"id":"ingredient-1","original":"100g dried pears","name":"Pears","quantity":100,"unit":"g","usQuantity":3.5,"usUnit":"oz","form":"dried","notes":"wild or smoked pears are traditional","group":"Fruit","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-2","original":"100g dried apples","name":"Apples","quantity":100,"unit":"g","usQuantity":3.5,"usUnit":"oz","form":"dried","notes":"tart varieties work best","group":"Fruit","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-3","original":"100g prunes","name":"Prunes","quantity":100,"unit":"g","usQuantity":3.5,"usUnit":"oz","form":"dried","notes":"pitted or with stones","group":"Fruit","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-4","original":"50g dried cherries or raisins","name":"Cherries","quantity":50,"unit":"g","usQuantity":1.8,"usUnit":"oz","form":"dried","notes":"adds a lovely tartness","group":"Fruit","optional":true},{"id":"ingredient-5","original":"3 liters of water","name":"Water","quantity":3,"unit":"l","usQuantity":3.17,"usUnit":"quart","form":"liquid","notes":"","group":"Base","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-6","original":"100g honey (or to taste)","name":"Honey","quantity":100,"unit":"g","usQuantity":5,"usUnit":"tbsp","form":"liquid","notes":"to taste; add only when cooled","group":"Sweetener","optional":false}],"instructions":[{"id":"instruction-1","text":"Rinse all dried fruits thoroughly under warm running water to remove any dust or impurities.","group":"Preparation","title":"Rinse all dried fruits thoroughly under warm running water","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Preparation"},{"id":"instruction-2","text":"In a large pot, bring 3 liters (3.17 quarts) of water to a boil.","group":"Cooking","title":"Bring 3 liters of water","timerMinutes":5,"sourceTitle":"Cooking"},{"id":"instruction-3","text":"Add the dried pears and apples to the boiling water first, as they take the longest to soften. Simmer for 10 minutes.","group":"Cooking","title":"Add the dried pears and apples","timerMinutes":10,"sourceTitle":"Cooking"},{"id":"instruction-4","text":"Add the prunes and dried cherries/raisins. Simmer for another 10 minutes until all fruits are tender.","group":"Cooking","title":"Add the prunes and dried cherries/raisins","timerMinutes":10,"sourceTitle":"Cooking"},{"id":"instruction-5","text":"Remove the pot from the heat. Cover with a lid and let it steep for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, until it reaches room temperature.","group":"Steeping","title":"Remove the pot from the heat","timerMinutes":240,"sourceTitle":"Steeping"},{"id":"instruction-6","text":"Once the Uzvar is warm (not hot, around 40°C (104°F)), stir in the honey until dissolved. Strain if desired, or serve with the fruit.","group":"Finishing","title":"Stir in the honey","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Finishing"}],"notes":"The secret to a great Uzvar is letting it steep for several hours; the longer it sits, the richer the flavor. Always add honey only after the drink has cooled to below 40°C (104°F) to preserve its beneficial properties.","cuisine":{"group":"Eastern European","specific":["Ukrainian"]},"course":["dessert"],"cookingMethod":["boil","simmer"],"equipment":["Large pot","Lid","Strainer"],"diet":["vegetarian","vegan","gluten_free","dairy_free","low_fat"],"allergens":[],"difficulty":"easy","yield":{"amount":3,"unit":"l","note":"Yields approximately 3 liters of beverage"},"makeAhead":{"instructions":"Uzvar is best when made 12-24 hours in advance to let flavors develop."},"storage":{"food":{"instructions":"Store in a glass jar or pitcher in the refrigerator.","reheatingNotes":"Can be served cold, at room temperature, or gently warmed up."}},"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Frecipe_8ecd10d2da%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=a2d0f7a8-2656-4199-aa11-e3e6648b69ea","imageAlt":"Uzvar (Traditional Ukrainian Dried Fruit Drink) — recipe cover","aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","sourceUrl":"","tags":["traditional","ukrainian","drink","dried-fruit","healthy","christmas-eve"],"schemaVersion":1,"sourceTitle":"Uzvar (Traditional Ukrainian Dried Fruit Drink)","sourcePublishedAt":"2026-02-04T05:45:35.292Z","sourceUpdatedAt":"2026-02-04T05:45:35.292Z","related":[{"id":"recipe_a5ad8ae0d0","slug":"kysil","title":"Kysil","description":"A traditional Ukrainian fruit drink thickened with starch, offering a smooth, velvety texture and vibrant berry flavor.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":5,"cookMinutes":15,"totalMinutes":20,"activeMinutes":10},"cuisine":{"group":"Eastern European","specific":["Ukrainian"]},"course":["dessert","sauce"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegan","vegetarian","gluten_free","dairy_free"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Frecipe_a5ad8ae0d0%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=d0b37907-2b48-4d5c-9e4c-f8c226144ba1","imageAlt":"Kysil — recipe cover","tags":["kysil","fruit drink","berry dessert","ukrainian recipe","gluten-free drink"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":4,"stepCount":5},{"id":"palacinke_aafe8b93f5","slug":"palacinke-eastern-european-crepes","title":"Palačinke (Eastern European Crepes)","description":"Thin, delicate, and versatile Eastern European crepes that can be served sweet with jam or savory with cheese. Unlike American pancakes, these are much thinner and larger, perfect for rolling or folding.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":10,"cookMinutes":20,"totalMinutes":30,"activeMinutes":30},"cuisine":{"group":"Eastern European","specific":["Balkan","Central European"]},"course":["main","dessert"],"difficulty":"medium","diet":["vegetarian"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fpalacinke_aafe8b93f5%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=ac5688a7-9fa8-4211-9d8f-90610bdd5007","imageAlt":"Palačinke (Eastern European Crepes) — recipe cover","tags":["crepes","pancakes","breakfast","thin pancakes","european food"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":7,"stepCount":7},{"id":"recipe_c63e34da8a","slug":"baklava","title":"Baklava","description":"A rich, indulgent Eastern European dessert featuring layers of crisp, buttery filo pastry, a spiced walnut filling, and a luscious honey-lemon syrup.","serves":24,"time":{"prepMinutes":30,"cookMinutes":60,"totalMinutes":90,"activeMinutes":45},"cuisine":{"group":"Eastern European","specific":["Balkan"]},"course":["dessert"],"difficulty":"medium","diet":["vegetarian"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Frecipe_c63e34da8a%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=8f3b0d6b-0a3b-433e-a4f1-6cdeb23e3115","imageAlt":"Baklava — recipe cover","tags":["honey","nuts","pastry","sweet","layered"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":8,"stepCount":8}]}