Pierogi

Pierogi are stuffed dumplings that come from Poland and other Eastern European countries. They are made from soft dough that is wrapped around a tasty filling. Pierogi can be boiled, fried, or baked, and they are served with sour cream or butter. They are comfort food at its best and are loved by people of all ages.

How Pierogi Are Made

Pierogi start with a simple dough made from flour, eggs, and water. The dough is rolled out thin and cut into circles. A spoonful of filling is placed in the center of each circle. The dough is folded in half and the edges are pressed together to seal. The pierogi are then boiled in water until they float to the top. Many people also fry them in butter afterward for a crispy outside.

Pierogi Fillings

The most traditional pierogi filling is mashed potatoes and cheese. Other popular fillings include sauerkraut and mushrooms, ground meat, and farmer's cheese. Sweet pierogi can be filled with blueberries, strawberries, or plums. In Poland, different fillings are served at different times of year. Sauerkraut pierogi are traditionally eaten on Christmas Eve.

Fun Facts

• In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, there is a pierogi race at every Pittsburgh Pirates baseball game.
• Poland has a pierogi festival every August in the city of Krakow.
• Pierogi are so popular in Poland that they are considered the national dish.

Did You Know?

Pierogi were brought to Poland by traders from the Far East in the 1200s, and the dumplings may have originally come from China!