Polish Food

Food is a very significant characteristic to any given society. Universally, food is very diverse and varies from culture to culture. Poland is well known for its range of food considering that some of the most common ingredients include cabbage, garlic, potatoes and turnips. Some Polish food, such as pierogis and kielbasa, resemble food from other countries, yet it calls for somewhat of an acquired taste. Polish deserts like babka and krushyki have distinctive tastes. All of these Polish dishes may either be homemade or bought at a Polish market. In fact, the nearest markets to Holliston are in Bellingham and in Worcester.

Pierogis most closely resemble ravioli but are more diverse. Like ravioli, pierogis are pasta folded over and have food within the fold. However, ravioli is typically limited to cheese and beeg fillings while pierogis may be filled with nearly anything. Some popular fillings include fruit, cheese and vegetables. For example, blueberry, potato and cabbage pierogis are especially familiar to the Polish diet. Fruit pierogis are most likely the sweetest filling and vegetable fillings vary in taste depending on the particular vegetable. Potato pierogis, for instance, taste bland when compared to the sweet taste of beet pierogis. Cabbage pierogis in particular are very bitter and perhaps even sour in taste. If one desired to make their own pierogis they would generally use unleavened dough, place it in a mold and stuff it with the filling of their choice. Pierogis are one of the most common staples of the Polish diet and also one of the best tasting foods.

Kielbasa is another favorite both in Poland and even here in the United States. However, kielbasa has a distinct taste and requires an acquired taste palate in order to be enjoyed. Kielbasa is analogous to sausage yet much more substantial. Often times, kielbasa has a strong odor about it to go along with its taste. Frequently the smell and taste lingers with you for the remainder of the day. Despite this, there’s nothing better than coming home to the smell of kielbasa cooking on the stove for dinner. Kielbasa is often made from pork and beef along with a variety of spices. In addition to its sharp aroma, many Poles enjoy their kielbasa with a side of horseradish or spicy brown mustard. To be on the safe side, I would try the kielbasa by itself before adding any horseradish that would really make your taste buds go untamed.

To top off a good meal you need a good desert. Babka is not a desert per se, but rather sweet bread. Babka is made with yeast, like most breads, and baked in a conventional oven. Babka can have virtually any ingredient in addition to the basic recipe. Additional ingredients can include fruits, spices, sour cream and nuts. Krushyki, a second favorite Polish desert, is like fried dough except crispier. Krushyki is covered in powdered sugar and is very sweet. Overall, these two dishes are very delectable and common in Poland from day to day, at all holidays and family gatherings.

Overall, I find Polish foods to be very appetizing and full of flavor. It surprises me how much variety there is in food when thought is put into it. Pierogis, kielbasa, babka and krushyki are only several of Poland’s unique dishes and they provide brief insight into the culture.

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