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Poland Cuisine

Europe · Eastern Europe

73 recipes

Signature Poland Dishes

🥗 Ingredient:

Poland·Very Hard·Several days to weeks (including aging)

Oscypek

Oscypek is a traditional, smoked cheese made from sheep's milk, originating from the Tatra Mountains region of Poland. It is a protected designation of origin (PDO) product, known for its distinctive spindle shape and firm texture. This recipe outlines the traditional process, which is complex and time-consuming, often requiring specialized equipment and knowledge passed down through generations.

Poland·Medium·2 hours 45 minutes (plus optional overnight chilling)

Pączki

Authentic Polish Pączki, a rich, yeasted doughnut traditionally enjoyed on Fat Thursday (Tłusty Czwartek) before Lent. This recipe features a classic rose jam filling, resulting in a decadent and slightly sweet treat.

Poland·Easy·1 hour 15 minutes - 1 hour 25 minutes (plus cooling)

Baba Piaskowa

A classic Polish pound cake, known for its dense, moist crumb and slightly sandy texture thanks to the potato starch. This rich butter cake is a delightful treat for any occasion.

Poland·Medium·1 hour 30 minutes (plus rising time)

Babka Wielkanocna

A rich, brioche-like yeast bread, traditionally baked for Easter. It's often studded with raisins and candied citrus peel, offering a slightly sweet and aromatic flavor profile.

Poland·Medium·5 days, 45 minutes

Barszcz Biały

Barszcz Biały, or White Borscht, is a traditional Polish soup often enjoyed during Easter. It's similar to Żurek but typically has a milder, less sour flavor profile. This recipe focuses on a fermented base for a complex yet delicate taste.

Poland·Medium·2 hours 15 minutes

Barszcz Czerwony

A traditional, crystal-clear Polish beetroot soup, often served on Christmas Eve. Its vibrant color and earthy flavor make it a festive and comforting starter.

Poland·Hard·4 hours

Barszcz z Uszkami

A traditional Polish Christmas Eve centerpiece, this clear, ruby-red beet soup is served with delicate mushroom-filled dumplings called 'uszka' (little ears).

Poland·Medium·Approx. 5.5 hours active time, best served after 2-3 days of reheating

Bigos

Bigos, often called Hunter's Stew, is Poland's beloved national dish. This hearty and complex stew features a rich blend of sauerkraut, fresh cabbage, and a variety of meats, slow-simmered to perfection. It's a dish that truly improves with time, making it ideal for making ahead and reheating over several days.

Poland·Medium·3 hours 45 minutes - 4 hours 45 minutes (plus optional overnight chilling)

Bigos

Poland's national dish - a legendary hunter's stew featuring sauerkraut, fresh cabbage, and a medley of meats, traditionally simmered for days. Its flavor deepens and improves with each reheating, making it even better the next day.

Poland·Easy·2 hours 50 minutes (including chilling)

Chłodnik Litewski

A vibrant and refreshing Polish cold beet soup, perfect for hot summer days. Its striking pink color and cool, tangy flavor make it a delightful starter or light meal.

Poland·Medium·1 hour 5 minutes

Faworki

Faworki, also known as Angel Wings, are delicate, crispy, and airy fried pastries traditionally enjoyed in Poland, especially during Fat Thursday (Tłusty Czwartek). They are made from a simple dough, rolled incredibly thin, fried until golden, and then dusted generously with powdered sugar.

Poland·Medium·4 hours 15 minutes

Flaczki

A hearty and traditional Polish tripe soup, featuring tender beef tripe simmered in a rich, savory broth infused with paprika and vegetables. This soup is known for its distinctive flavor and comforting warmth.

Poland·Medium·2 hours 15 minutes

Gołąbki

Gołąbki, meaning 'little pigeons,' are a beloved Polish comfort food featuring tender cabbage leaves generously filled with a savory mixture of ground meat and rice, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This recipe offers a classic take on this hearty dish.

Poland·Easy·Overnight + 2 hours 50 minutes

Grochówka

A deeply satisfying and hearty Polish pea soup, often considered a military classic due to its robust flavor and filling nature. This recipe yields a thick, comforting soup perfect for cold days.

Poland·Easy·20 minutes

Grzaniec Galicyjski

A fragrant and warming Polish mulled wine, traditionally enjoyed during the colder months, especially in the Galician region. This recipe is simple to make and perfect for festive gatherings or a cozy evening.

Poland·Easy·15 minutes

Gzik

A refreshing and simple Wielkopolska regional cheese spread, perfect as a light meal or appetizer. It features crumbled farmer's cheese mixed with sour cream, fresh chives, and crisp radishes, traditionally served with boiled potatoes.

Poland·Hard·3-5 days (including drying and curing)

Kabanosy

Authentic Polish Kabanosy, a thin, smoky, and dry-cured pork sausage perfect as a snack, especially for hiking. This recipe requires specialized equipment and patience for curing and smoking.

Poland·Easy·2 hours 45 minutes

Kapuśniak

A hearty and traditional Polish sauerkraut soup, perfect for a cold winter day. This soup features tender pork, smoky kielbasa, tangy sauerkraut, and wholesome vegetables, simmered to perfection. It's a comforting dish with centuries of history.

Poland·Easy·1 hour - 1 hour 10 minutes

Kapusta Zasmażana

A classic Polish side dish featuring deeply flavorful braised sauerkraut, enriched with crispy bacon and aromatic spices. This dish is a comforting and traditional accompaniment to many Polish meals.

Poland·Medium·1 hour 45 minutes

Karp Smażony

A classic Polish dish, Karp Smażony, or fried carp, is a quintessential part of Wigilia (Christmas Eve) celebrations. This recipe focuses on achieving a crispy, golden-brown exterior while keeping the fish moist and tender inside. The traditional marination in milk helps to reduce the earthy flavor often associated with carp.

Poland·Challenging·1 hour 55 minutes active + 8-12 hours chilling

Karp w Galarecie

A traditional Polish Christmas Eve (Wigilia) delicacy, this dish features tender carp poached and set in a crystal-clear, flavorful aspic, often garnished with decorative elements.

Poland·Medium·2 hours 30 minutes (including cooling and chilling)

Karpatka

Karpatka, meaning 'Carpathian Mountain Cake', is a beloved Polish dessert featuring two layers of light and airy choux pastry filled with a rich, luscious vanilla pastry cream. It's often dusted with powdered sugar, resembling a snow-capped mountain range.

Poland·Hard·3 hours 45 minutes

Kaszanka

A traditional and hearty Polish blood sausage, featuring the earthy flavor of buckwheat groats and savory pork fat, encased and gently cooked. This recipe requires careful preparation and is best served pan-fried.

Poland·Hard·4-6 hours (plus chilling/resting)

Kiełbasa

Authentic Polish kiełbasa, a smoked and seasoned pork sausage. This recipe focuses on a traditional, hearty flavor profile. Many regional variations exist, but this provides a solid foundation.

Poland·Hard·2 hours 10 minutes

Kiełbasa Biała

Kiełbasa Biała is a traditional unsmoked Polish white sausage, often prepared for Easter celebrations. It's known for its fresh, garlicky flavor and tender texture. This recipe focuses on achieving the perfect balance of pork, garlic, and herbs, resulting in a delicious sausage that can be enjoyed boiled, pan-fried, or baked.

Poland·Easy·17-20 minutes

Kiełbasa z Grilla

A quintessential Polish summer dish, grilled kielbasa is smoky, savory, and perfectly complemented by the sharp bite of traditional mustard. This recipe focuses on achieving a beautifully charred exterior while ensuring the sausage is cooked through.

Poland·Easy·45 minutes

Kluski Śląskie

Kluski Śląskie, meaning 'Silesian dumplings', are a traditional Polish potato dumpling from the Silesia region. Characterized by a distinctive thumbprint indentation, they are perfect for soaking up rich gravies and sauces. This recipe provides a simple yet authentic way to create these delightful dumplings.

Poland·Easy·40 minutes

Kluski z Makiem

A traditional sweet Polish Christmas Eve (Wigilia) dish featuring tender egg noodles tossed with a rich mixture of ground poppy seeds, honey, raisins, and butter. This dish is often one of the twelve traditional dishes served on Christmas Eve.

Poland·Easy·40 minutes + cooling time

Kompot

A traditional Polish beverage made by gently stewing a variety of fruits in sweetened water, often infused with spices. It's a refreshing drink served chilled, with the tender stewed fruits enjoyed as a light dessert.

Poland·Easy·50 minutes

Kopytka

Kopytka, meaning 'little hooves', are traditional Polish potato dumplings. Similar to Italian gnocchi, they are simple, comforting, and incredibly versatile, perfect as a main dish or a side.

Poland·Easy·40-45 minutes

Kotlet Mielony

A classic Polish comfort food, Kotlet Mielony are savory, breaded ground meat patties, perfect for an everyday meal. This recipe uses a traditional blend of pork and beef for a rich flavor.

Poland·Easy·40-45 minutes

Kotlet Schabowy

A classic Polish breaded pork cutlet, often served as a hearty Sunday dinner. Similar to Wiener Schnitzel, it features a crispy, golden-brown coating and tender pork.

Poland·Medium·1 hour

Krokiety

Crispy, golden-fried crêpes filled with a savory mushroom and cabbage mixture, then coated in breadcrumbs. A beloved Polish comfort food, often served as a side to clear borscht.

Poland·Medium·1 hour 20 minutes

Krupnik Grzybowa

A hearty and flavorful Polish soup featuring earthy mushrooms, nutritious barley, and a medley of vegetables, often enriched with chicken or beef broth. This comforting dish is a staple in Polish cuisine, known for its rustic charm and satisfying texture.

Poland·Medium·overnight + 2 hours 30 minutes

Kutia

A traditional Polish Christmas Eve (Wigilia) first course, Kutia is a sweet and hearty pudding made from cooked wheat berries, poppy seeds, honey, nuts, and dried fruits. It symbolizes prosperity and is often prepared with great care.

Poland·Hard·4 hours 15 minutes

Makowiec

A traditional Polish poppy seed roll, often made for Christmas. This dense and sweet cake features a rich poppy seed filling swirled within a soft yeast dough, creating a beautiful spiral pattern when sliced. It's a labor of love that's well worth the effort.

Poland·Medium·1 hour 15 minutes

Miodownik

A traditional Polish honey cake, known as Miodownik, featuring moist, spiced layers infused with honey and often filled with a creamy pudding or caramel. This version focuses on a simpler, yet delicious, cake with a rich honey flavor.

Poland·Easy·45 minutes

Mizeria

A refreshing and classic Polish cucumber salad, Mizeria is a simple yet flavorful side dish, perfect for summer meals. Thinly sliced cucumbers are lightly salted to draw out excess moisture, then tossed with a creamy dressing of sour cream, fresh dill, and a touch of vinegar and sugar.

Poland·Easy·50 minutes

Naleśniki

Naleśniki are thin Polish crepes, similar to French crêpes, that can be filled with a variety of sweet or savory ingredients. They are a versatile and beloved dish in Polish cuisine.

Poland·Medium·3 hours 15 minutes

Pieczeń Cielęca

A classic Polish Sunday dinner centerpiece, this tender veal roast is infused with flavor and served with a rich, creamy gravy.

Poland·Medium·2 hours

Pierogi

Classic Polish dumplings with a tender dough, filled with a savory mixture of mashed potatoes and farmer's cheese, then pan-fried in butter until golden brown. This recipe focuses on the traditional 'Ruskie' filling.

Poland·Medium·2 hours 0 minutes

Pierogi Ruskie

The most beloved pierogi - filled with potato and farmer's cheese (twaróg), named for the Ruthenian region. These tender dumplings are a staple of Polish cuisine, perfect served with a dollop of sour cream and crispy fried onions.

Poland·Medium·2 hours 15 minutes

Pierogi Ruskie

The beloved Polish classic, Pierogi Ruskie, are tender dumplings filled with a savory mixture of mashed potatoes and farmer's cheese, often enhanced with sweet, caramelized onions.

Poland·Hard·1 hour 20 minutes

Pierogi z Kapustą i Grzybami

Traditional Polish dumplings filled with a savory mixture of sauerkraut and mushrooms. These pierogi offer a delightful balance of tangy, earthy flavors and are typically served boiled and pan-fried with onions or bacon.

Poland·Medium·1 hour 20 minutes (plus dough resting time)

Pierogi z Kapustą i Grzybami

A classic Polish dumpling filled with a savory mixture of sauerkraut and mushrooms, offering a delightful balance of tangy, earthy, and umami flavors. These are often served pan-fried with onions or bacon.

Poland·Easy·50 minutes

Placki Ziemniaczane

Authentic Polish potato pancakes, known as Placki Ziemniaczane, are a beloved comfort food. These pancakes are pan-fried until wonderfully crispy and golden brown on the outside, with a tender interior. They are a versatile dish, perfect as a simple snack or a hearty side.

Poland·Easy·1 hour

Polish Buckwheat Groats with Mushrooms and Dill

A comforting and earthy one-pot dish featuring toasted buckwheat groats cooked with sautéed mushrooms, onions, and fresh dill. This recipe highlights the traditional use of buckwheat in Polish cuisine, offering a nutritious and flavorful meal.

Poland·Easy·50 minutes

Polish Buckwheat Pancakes with Mushrooms and Sour Cream

A savory twist on traditional pancakes, these buckwheat placki are hearty and flavorful, served with a rich topping of sautéed mushrooms and a dollop of cooling sour cream. This dish highlights the earthy flavors of buckwheat and mushrooms, a common pairing in Polish cuisine.

Poland·Medium·3 hours

Polish Duck in Sour Cherry Sauce

A classic Polish dish featuring a whole roasted duck, succulent and flavorful, served with a rich, slightly tart sour cherry sauce. This elegant meal is often prepared for special occasions and holidays, offering a delightful combination of savory duck and sweet-tart fruit.

Poland·Medium·1 hour 10 minutes (plus chilling time)

Polish Fish in Jelly

A classic Polish appetizer, Galareta Rybna features tender pieces of white fish, vegetables, and herbs set in a clear, savory gelatin. It's a delicate and visually appealing dish, often served during holidays and special occasions.

Poland·Medium·4 hours 45 minutes (includes chilling time)

Polish Jellied Fish

A traditional Polish delicacy, Ryba w Galarecie features tender pieces of white fish suspended in a clear, savory jelly, often garnished with colorful vegetables like carrots and peas, and hard-boiled eggs. Typically served cold, it's a popular dish during Christmas Eve (Wigilia) and other festive occasions, showcasing a delicate balance of flavors and textures.

Poland·Medium·1 hour 20 minutes

Polish Meat-Filled Potato Dumplings

Pyzy z Mięsem are traditional Polish potato dumplings, characterized by their soft, slightly chewy texture and a savory minced meat filling. Made from a combination of cooked and raw potato dough, these dumplings are typically boiled and served with a side of fried onions and a dollop of sour cream or mustard, making for a hearty and comforting meal.

Poland·Medium·1 hour 25 minutes

Polish Potato and Mushroom Casserole

A comforting and savory casserole featuring layers of thinly sliced potatoes and sautéed mushrooms, bound together with a creamy egg mixture and baked until golden and tender. This dish is a hearty and satisfying way to enjoy classic Polish ingredients.

Poland·Medium·1 hour 45 minutes

Polish Smoked Pork and Buckwheat Casserole

A comforting and hearty casserole featuring layers of savory smoked pork, earthy buckwheat groats, sautéed onions and mushrooms, all baked together with a creamy béchamel sauce and topped with cheese. This dish is a testament to Polish home cooking, utilizing staple ingredients to create a deeply satisfying meal.

Poland·Easy·1 hour 5 minutes

Polish Smoked Sausage and Potato Bake

A comforting and easy one-pan bake featuring slices of flavorful Polish smoked sausage (kiełbasa), tender potatoes, sweet onions, and a hint of garlic, all baked until golden and slightly crispy. This dish is a testament to simple, satisfying Polish home cooking.

Poland·Medium·2 hours 15 minutes

Polish Wild Mushroom and Buckwheat Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

A deeply flavorful and rustic take on traditional gołąbki, these cabbage rolls are filled with a savory mixture of earthy wild mushrooms, hearty buckwheat groats, and aromatic herbs, all simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce. This dish showcases the bounty of Polish forests and the comforting nature of its cuisine.

Poland·Medium·1 hour 15 minutes

Pyzy Z Mięsem

Fluffy, tender steamed potato dumplings filled with a savory ground pork and onion mixture. These are a comforting and traditional Polish dish, often served with crispy pork cracklings.

Poland·Easy·1 hour 25 minutes

Racuchy

Light and fluffy yeast-leavened pancakes studded with grated apple, fried to a golden crisp and dusted with powdered sugar. A beloved Polish treat, perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Poland·Easy·3 hours 55 minutes

Rosół

A cornerstone of Polish Sunday dinners, Rosół is a deeply flavorful and crystal-clear chicken broth, traditionally served with fine noodles and tender vegetables. This recipe focuses on extracting maximum flavor through slow simmering.

Poland·Medium·1 hour 15 minutes - 1 hour 30 minutes, plus at least 4 hours chilling

Sernik

A classic Polish cheesecake, Sernik, made with twaróg (farmer's cheese) for a dense, rich, and uniquely satisfying texture. This recipe focuses on the traditional, crustless style.

Poland·Easy·Overnight + 30 minutes

Śledź w Śmietanie

A classic Polish Christmas Eve (Wigilia) appetizer featuring tender salt herring fillets marinated in a creamy sour cream sauce with fresh onions and crisp apples. This dish is a staple for a reason – it's simple, refreshing, and utterly delicious.

Poland·Easy·overnight + 4 hours 20 minutes

Śledzie w Śmietanie

A classic Polish appetizer, Śledzie w Śmietanie features salt herring fillets marinated in a creamy, slightly sweet, and tangy sauce with onions and apples. It's a traditional and beloved dish, especially for Christmas Eve (Wigilia) and other celebrations.

Poland·Medium·1 hour 35 minutes - 1 hour 45 minutes

Szarlotka

A classic Polish apple cake featuring a tender shortcrust pastry base and a warmly spiced apple filling, topped with a grated pastry layer for delightful texture.

Poland·Medium·1 hour 45 minutes

Uszka

Uszka, meaning 'little ears' in Polish, are traditional tiny dumplings often filled with a savory mushroom and onion mixture. They are a quintessential part of Polish Christmas Eve supper (Wigilia), typically served floating in clear borscht (barszcz).

Poland·Medium·1 hour 40 minutes

Zapiekanka Ziemniaczana z Kiełbasą

A hearty and comforting Polish potato and sausage casserole, featuring layers of thinly sliced potatoes, savory kielbasa, onions, and a creamy sauce, all baked to golden perfection with a cheesy topping. This dish is a staple in Polish homes, often enjoyed as a filling meal or a delicious leftover.

Poland·Medium·1 hour 45 minutes

Zapiekanka Ziemniaczano-Grzybowa

A hearty and comforting Polish casserole featuring layers of tender potatoes and savory sautéed mushrooms, often bound together with a creamy sauce and topped with cheese. This dish is a popular choice for family meals and gatherings, showcasing the beloved combination of potatoes and mushrooms.

Poland·Medium·1 hour 30 minutes

Ziemniaczana Zapiekanka z Grzybami

A comforting and hearty Polish casserole featuring layers of thinly sliced potatoes, sautéed mushrooms, and onions, baked in a creamy sauce. This dish is a wonderful example of simple, rustic Polish home cooking.

Poland·Easy·1 hour 15 minutes

Ziemniaczano-Grzybowa Zapiekanka

A comforting and hearty casserole featuring layers of tender potatoes and savory sautéed mushrooms and onions, baked to golden perfection. This dish is a wonderful example of Polish home cooking, often prepared with simple ingredients to create a deeply satisfying meal.

Poland·Medium·2 hours 15 minutes

Zrazy Zawijane

Zrazy Zawijane are classic Polish beef roulades, tender strips of beef rolled around a savory filling of pickles, bacon, and mustard, then slow-braised to perfection. This dish is a hearty and flavorful centerpiece for any meal.

Poland·Easy·1 hour 5 minutes

Zupa Ogórkowa

A beloved Polish comfort food, Zupa Ogórkowa is a hearty and tangy soup made with dill pickles, potatoes, and carrots. Its unique flavor profile comes from the briny pickles and their juice, balanced by the creaminess of sour cream.

Poland·Easy·1 hour

Zupa Ogórkowa

A hearty and tangy Polish soup made with dill pickles, potatoes, and carrots, often enriched with sour cream for a creamy finish. This soup is a comforting staple, especially popular during colder months.

Poland·Medium·5 days + 1 hour 45 minutes

Żurek

A traditional Polish Easter soup, Żurek is characterized by its unique tangy flavor derived from a fermented rye starter (żur). This recipe guides you through making the starter from scratch, resulting in a deeply flavorful and comforting soup, often served with sausage, bacon, and hard-boiled eggs.

Poland·Medium·5 days + 1 hour 45 minutes

Żurek

Poland's most distinctive soup, Żurek, is a hearty and flavorful dish characterized by its unique sour taste derived from a fermented rye starter. Traditionally served with white sausage and hard-boiled eggs, it's an essential part of Polish Easter celebrations.

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