Poland's Culture and Cuisine

~Blog Post #1~

April 12, 2015

By: Sierra Kepski

The culture I chose to do is focused on the Polish cuisine. I grew up eating Polish food, especially on big Catholic holidays like Christmas and Easter. Both my grandparents on my father's side immigrated to America from Poland during World War II and kept the Polish tradition strong in our family. Most of the staple foods in Polish dishes include meats (pork, chicken, and beef), winter vegetables (potatoes, cabbage, and beets), herbs, and noodles or rice. In addition to the famous Polish sausage, or kielbasa, Polish food is also known for its delicious sweets, one being the Kolaczki. Kolaczkis are a type of cookie made with a flaky dough that is filled with a fruit jam, like raspberry or apricot, and folded up to resemble a little package. Sometimes they are even sprinkled with powdered sugar just before being served.

Others might have heard of the Polish dumpling known as the Pierogi. These yummy dumplings are made from unleavened dough and stuffed with either a savory or sweet filling and then boiled until cooked on the inside. My favorite fillings are either potato and onion, or blueberry for when I have a sweet tooth. 

         

People from Poland, especially the women, take great pride in the food they cook and spend hours, even days preparing for holiday meals. The culture's foods and traditions share many similarities with other Slavic countries such as Russia, Ukraine, and other Eastern European nations. Traditionally the country's dishes were made from the agricultural produce and crops they had during the season. However, throughout history Poland has had its fair share of invaders and wars, and because of this, its cuisine has been influenced by many cultures from around Europe as well.