Polish cuisine is recognizable across the world. The food is heavily influenced by its Jewish history and the neighboring German, Slovak, Silesian, and Czech cuisines. Typically, Polish meals contain rich meat, butter, cream, eggs, and seasoning. Consider the following staples the next time you prepare your dinner. 

What Are Some Classic Polish Meals?

1. Kielbasa

Kielbasa is a large and spicy Polish style of sausage. Each region in Poland has a signature sausage, and each one can be made using various meats and techniques. The most traditional style is made with pork, but it might contain lamb, veal, beef, or chicken instead. The meat may be smoked, cured, or fresh and prepared with seasonings such as garlic, marjoram, and juniper. Serve it on a sandwich, in a soup, with scrambled eggs, or alongside sauerkraut. 

2. Pierogi

These dumplings have been a part of Polish cuisine since the 13^th century. The dough can be stuffed with mashed potatoes, sauerkraut, cheese, ground beef, or cabbage. Each occasion calls for a unique type of pierogi. For example, during the summer, you can enjoy a sweet dumpling filled with berries and other seasonal fruits. 

3. Ham

Polish ham is hand-carved and slow-cured, giving it a tender texture and a savory flavor that isn’t too salty. Krakus® is a well-known Polish ham brand that you can find in an international market. Slice it thinly to use as deli meat, serve it with breakfast, or add whole cloves and brown sugar to serve it as your main dinner course.

4. Sweets

After a traditional Polish dinner, you can enjoy some cookies that come in various styles. Kolaczki cookies are made by rolling out a cream cheese dough cutting it into squares. They can contain your filling of choice, including raspberry, apricot, prune, and almond. Zlotoklos cookies are also popular. These treats are made with savory dough and topped with sesame seeds. 

If you want to enjoy a traditional Polish dinner, turn to JJ International Delicatessen in Port Jervis, NY. This world market carries sausage, ham, pierogi, cookies, and other staples. They're promoting food from around the world with local radio show WDCL Country 107.7. For April, they are featuring Poland. View their menu online, or call (845) 858-1142 to place an order.