Authentic Polish Lazy Pierogi Recipe + Tips For Making Kluski Leniwe (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between kluski and pierogi? ›

Kluski (singular: klusek or kluska; from German Klöße) is a generic Polish name for all kinds of soft, mushy dumplings, usually without a filling. There are many different types of kluski, differing in basic ingredients and preparation method. Kluski are distinct from pierogi and stand-alone pasta dishes.

Pierogi are an important part of Polish culture and cuisine today.

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). Sweet pierogi are usually served with sour cream mixed with sugar, and savory pierogi with bacon fat and bacon bits.

Some believe the pierogi came from China and through Italy via Marco Polo's expeditions. Another popular origin story involves Saint Hyacinth, who is often considered the patron saint of pierogi. According to this story, Saint Hyacinth brought the pierogi to Poland from Kievian Rus, now Ukraine.

Pierogi ruskie, which are stuffed with a mixture of potatoes and quark cheese, are one of the most popular varieties of pierogi nowadays. The name, which is commonly translated as 'Russian dumplings', misleads foreigners and Poles alike.

However, it's not a must—you can also cook frozen pierogies right in the skillet without boiling them—and they will turn out delicious. But, if you're a stickler for tradition, bring a pot of salted water to a boil, drop the pierogies in and wait for them to float.

The word 'varenyky' comes from the Ukrainian word 'varyty´ or 'to boil' because this product is cooked in boiling water. This comfort food is spelled many different ways: pyrohy, pyrogy, pyrogie, pierogi, perogi and others.

Bigos stew is the national dish of Poland. It can be made with any kind of meat from pork to rabbit or venison, but should always have spicy Polish sausage.

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

In Ukraine, they're called varenyky. But to Poland, and most of the rest of the world, they're pierogi. The humble boiled dumplings are one of Poland's most beloved dishes, as well as its culinary symbol across the world – homesick Poles can find satisfying pierogi everywhere from Shanghai to London.

What is the most traditional pierogi? ›

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?

In Poland, the most traditional way of eating pierogi is boiled and served with melted butter and fried onions. However, they can also be served with sour cream or bacon bits. Ketchup and tomato sauce are not traditional toppings, but they can be used as well.

Melt a tablespoon of butter in a pan on medium heat, then fry up as many pierogies as you want. (Six per person is plenty.) Flip them every few minutes until they're browned on all sides. Serve with scallions and a dollop of sour cream.

One region eats more pierogis than the rest of the country

The "Pierogi Pocket" region encompasses five midwestern states: Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey. A few cities — including Chicago and Detroit — are also included in this area, according to The Pierogi Experiment.

Dumplings stuffed with potato and cheese are beloved throughout Central and Eastern Europe, and in Ukraine may also be known as vareniki.

Kluski noodles, egg noodles, and pasta are like cousins. All three of them are similar and yet different when it comes down to the ingredients used to make them.

Meet pierogi: Poland's best loved dish. Also called perogi or perogy, Polish pierogi (pronounced pih-ROH-ghee) or homemade pierogies are small half-moon dumplings. They're also chock-full of fabulous fillings. Interestingly, the word pierogi is actually plural.

Pyrohy or Varenyky – Did you know? In Ukraine, pyrohy are best known under the name of Varenyky. The word 'varenyky' comes from the Ukrainian word 'varyty´ or 'to boil' because this product is cooked in boiling water. This comfort food is spelled many different ways: pyrohy, pyrogy, pyrogie, pierogi, perogi and others.

The name differs depending on the region, with states further east such as Russia preferring the term vareniki, while those further west, such as Poland and Slovakia, use the term pierogi. Unlike pelmeni, they are usually stuffed with a vegetarian filling of potato, cabbage, cheese, or mushrooms.