Pierogi (Dumplings)
Pierogi are kind of like ravioli except they are made with different fillings. These fillings can include potato and cheese, sauerkraut, mushrooms, and even various cheeses and meat. There are also a few ways to prepare them. The first thing you always do when you have fresh uncooked pierogi, is boil them like you would with noodles. You can then serve them just boiled. You can also melt some butter in a frying pan with some chopped onions and fry the boiled pierogi. (Personally my favorite way of making them.) You can find them in some grocery stores or make them yourself from scratch if you know what you are doing.Golabki (Cabbage rolls)
Golabki are cabbage rolls stuffed with meat. They are best served in tomato sauce with mashed potatoes on the side. To begin, you must fill a pot with water about half way depending on how much you are making. Remember to not fill the pot to the top because you will add sauce later into the water. You then mush seperate your cabbage leaves then roll them around some meat. Typically, I use ground beef with various spices. After creating your raw rolls, put them in your pot of water and set it to boil. When the meat inside has cooked properly, you can then add tomato paste and tomato sauce. Additionally you may consider adding dill and other herbs. let that cook on low temperatures for about 5 minutes and then they are ready to serve.Zurek (Sour Rye Soup)
Zurek is a common Polish soup. This soup is served with hard boiled eggs and Polish sausages. To make this soup you will need hard boiled eggs, Polish sausage. dill, and, powdered broth which can be found in some Eastern European and Armenian shops. This soup is one of my favorite soups. There isn't much to cooking it, however, i find that it is best served with chopped boiled eggs and boiled Polish sausage.Czerwony barszcz (Beet Soup)
This soup is also a pretty good one. It is served usually served with boiled potato or a side of bread. This soup consists of fermented beet broth, "little ear" dumplings, potato, and mushrooms. You will need the following.
4 beets, washed, or 2 cups sliced canned or jarred beets.
4 cups meat or vegetable stock.
1 minced clove garlic.
1 teaspoon sugar.
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice or 1 tablespoon red-wine vinegar.
Salt and black pepper.
Chopped fresh dill for garnish.
Potatoes (Optional)
You can begin by preparing your beets. In order to do this you will chop the beets and chop off the tops, but do not throw them away. Place the beets and tops into a bucket or bowl of water and allow them to sit somewhere dark over night or perhaps for the day. My grandmother usually leaves them under her sink for the night. After the beets have fermented a bit you then pour the bucket of beets and the beet water into your pot. add some water, stock, minced garlic, and a bit of vinegar or lemon juice. Allow your soup to boil and cook. Add the salt, sugar, dill, and, pepper. Serve with a side of bread of your choice. (Rye bread is best)
- Bigos (Hunter's Stew)
Bigos is a stew made with a variety of meats, sauerkraut, and cabbage. To begin you will want to make sure the meat you are using is sauteed with onion. For best taste use a large variety of meats. Chop and boil fresh cabbage until it is tender. Chop and add your cooked meats. put some sauerkraut into a strainer and thoroughly rinse it under warms water. Add the sauerkraut to the pot. Add spices of your choice and tomato paste. Allow your stew to cook for about an hour.