12 Old-School Recipes Your Polish Grandma Used to Make
Polish food is like a giant hug on a plate—warm, hearty and full of sausage, cheese and potatoes (aka all of our favorites). We wish our babci were always at our kitchen table, folding up a batch of pierogis or pulling the cabbage rolls out of the oven. But if she can’t be, here are 12 of our favorite dishes to recreate at home.
RELATED: 24 Old-School Recipes Your Italian Grandma Used to Make
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Rice, Lentils and Currants
A lighter take on the classic dish, from Coterie member Gena Hamshaw.
One-pot Lentil Kielbasa Soup
The more smoky sausage, the merrier (with plenty of healthy lentils and veggies to balance it out).
Potato Latkes
We don’t know why potato pancakes became a Hanukkah-only food. In our household, they’re welcome year-round.
RELATED: The 19 Best Scalloped Potato Recipes in the Universe
Cheddar Pierogies
Pasta, potatoes and cheese? Sign us up. It doesn’t get any more classically Polish than this, and we are here for it.
Cabbage and Noodles
Simple, budget-friendly and oh-so comforting. Best of all, it’s a quick weeknight standby that’s ready in 40 minutes.
Nutella Babka
OK, your babci probably didn’t use Nutella. But we think it’s a very welcome addition.
Quick Mashed Potatoes
Serve with kielbasa or another type of Polish sausage. Repeat, ad infinitum.
Polish Yeast Pancakes
We love these not-too-sweet pancakes for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. (Don’t forget the fruit compote.)
Cabbage Roll Soup
It just doesn’t get any cozier than this. Serve this comfort food staple with crusty bread and watch it disappear.
Foil Packet Sausages with Peppers and Onions
We love this totally hands-off recipe for summer cookouts and tailgate parties.
Polish Borscht
Fun fact: In Poland, this vegetarian soup is traditionally eaten on Christmas Eve. But we love it so much, we eat it all year round.
Dill Pickle Soup
Honestly, we understand the skepticism. But this creamy, sour soup is a lunch staple in Poland and we can totally see why.
RELATED: 16 Old-School Recipes Your Jewish Grandma Used to Make