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

FAQs

What is a pierogi in Polish Christmas traditions? ›

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.

Ruskie pierogi are probably the most popular kind of pierogi in North America and Poland. The 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).

Terminology. Traditional Christmas Eve pierogi, whose name is derived from a root meaning 'festival' The English word "pierogi" comes from Polish pierogi [pʲɛˈrɔgʲi], which is the plural form of pieróg [ˈpʲɛruk], a generic term for one filled dumpling.

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).

Today's Christmas dinner usually opens with cold plates, including varieties of soused herring, followed by borscht or mushroom soup, and then the hot dishes: often carp, pierogi stuffed with sauerkraut and mushrooms, and croquettes. Dessert usually comes as gingerbread, poppy seed cake, kutya or sour cheesecake.

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.

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

Traditionally pierogi are served with simple toppings such as fried onions, lardons, melted butter, sour cream or pork rinds. But not everything needs to be savoury! Poles also love sweet pierogi. In the summer, a sweet version of pierogi are popular as a main course.

Meanwhile, in the Western part of Ukraine, the dumplings are more often called “pirohy”, like those of their Polish neighbro. Ukrainians don't have an “g” sound in their language. I use the two words "pierogi" and "varenyky" interchangeably in this post, and I also use the spelling Lydia gave me - "varynyky".

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?

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.

Heat some oil in a pan and add your boiled pierogies. Sauté until golden brown on both sides. You can add whatever you like to jazz things up a little. Traditional pierogies are simply sautéed in butter and onions.

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.

Boiling Pierogi is the most popular method of cooking Pierogi because it adds no additional calories to your meal. It also offers a soft, delicate texture which is the more traditional way of eating Polish pierogi.

Christmas Eve Dinner – kolacja wigilijna – is the most important Christmas celebration in Poland. Christmas Eve Dinner starts in the late afternoon or in the evening, depending on the family (some people visit 2 or even more families during Christmas Eve, having 2 or more dinners).

In Polish tradition, the dumpling was introduced to the nation by the Dominican missionary St. Hyacinth, who died in Kraków in 1257. The Polish-born saint is said to have brought the dish with him from a missionary posting to Kyiv, which has afforded Ukrainians and Russians grounds to claim pierogi as their own.

The breaking of the Christmas wafer is a custom that began in Poland in the 10th century and is practiced by people of Polish ancestry around the world. It is considered the most ancient and beloved of Polish traditions. In Poland and some parts of Central Europe, these Christmas wafers are dyed and used as ornaments.