Authentic Polish Sauerkraut Pierogi Recipe That Tastes Like Christmas! (2024)

FAQs

What is the most popular pierogi in Poland? ›

Pierogi ruskie, which are stuffed with a mixture of potatoes and quark cheese, are one of the most popular varieties of pierogi nowadays. The name, which is commonly translated as 'Russian dumplings', misleads foreigners and Poles alike.

Other popular pierogi in Poland are filled with ground meat, mushrooms and cabbage, or for dessert an assortment of fruits (berries, with strawberries or blueberries the most common). Sweet pierogi are usually served with sour cream mixed with sugar, and savory pierogi with bacon fat and bacon bits.

​ The English word "pierogi" comes from Polish pierogi [pʲɛˈrɔgʲi], which is the plural form of pieróg [ˈpʲɛruk], a generic term for filled dumplings. It derives from Old East Slavic пиръ (pirŭ) and further from Proto-Slavic *pirъ, "feast".

Regardless of how you choose to spell it, pierogi are the very definition of comfort food. Think pillow-soft dumplings, oozing butter, filled with deep flavours and often served with a smorgasbord of toppings or sides (often crispy bacon and sour cream).

Bigos stew is the national dish of Poland. It can be made with any kind of meat from pork to rabbit or venison, but should always have spicy Polish sausage.

Poland's Christmas Eve/Wigilia tradition wouldn't be complete without the world-famous pierogi! The half-circular Polish dumplings make an appearance on Wigilia tables in every Polish household and for many, they are the favorite of the 12 courses served during the traditional dinner.

Let's start with the most obvious and traditional pierogi of all – pierogi Ruskie. Try not to be fooled by its name – this is Polish pierogi, of course, not Russian. So why the “Ruskie” part of the name?

Varenyky is the more commonly used term in Ukraine, often eaten with sweet fillings, while pierogi are the national dish of Poland. Different to pelmeni as they are usually vegetarian, varenyky and pierogi can be served fried in butter, usually as an appetiser or a dessert.

The word 'varenyky' comes from the Ukrainian word 'varyty´ or 'to boil' because this product is cooked in boiling water. This comfort food is spelled many different ways: pyrohy, pyrogy, pyrogie, pierogi, perogi and others.

Amish Perogies - traditional real cheese & potato. dumplings served with house-made sweet chili sour. cream.

What is a singular pierogi called? ›

In Polish pierogi is the plural form of pieróg (“dumpling”), but in English the word pierogi is usually treated as either singular or plural.

Perogies taste great when you brown them in butter in a frying pan with some onions. Dollop of sour cream, some kishka on the side.

Add onion and drained pierogies and season to taste with salt and pepper or House Seasoning. Cook over high heat until the onion is soft and browned and pierogies are nicely browned. The pasta shell will get a little crunchy - it's delish! Serve with a dollop of sour cream.

However, it's not a must—you can also cook frozen pierogies right in the skillet without boiling them—and they will turn out delicious. But, if you're a stickler for tradition, bring a pot of salted water to a boil, drop the pierogies in and wait for them to float.

Pierogi Ruskie

This is because the origins began in the Ruthenia region, which is partly where modern-day Poland and Ukraine sit, and has also been known as Red Russia and Eastern Galicia in the past. These are the most popular pierogi in Poland – the dough is filled with cottage cheese, potato and onion.

Pierogi. Pierogi are filled dumplings containing either meat, vegetables, cheese, fruit or chocolate. Pierogi is undoubtedly Poland's most famous and simple comfort food.

Pierogi, a mainstay of the Polish diet since the 17th Century, remains both a nostalgic dish and a way for chefs to flex their creative muscle. In Slovakia, they're known as pirohy. In Ukraine, they're called varenyky. But to Poland, and most of the rest of the world, they're pierogi.

Varenyky is the more commonly used term in Ukraine, often eaten with sweet fillings, while pierogi are the national dish of Poland. Different to pelmeni as they are usually vegetarian, varenyky and pierogi can be served fried in butter, usually as an appetiser or a dessert.