NATIONAL PIEROGI DAY
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NATIONAL PIEROGI DAY
On October 8 we are celebrating a Polish delight on National Pierogi Day! This international dish is more than a dumpling--it's mouthwatering goodness that always leaves you wanting more!
#NationalPierogiDay
Pierogi is the plural form of a word that means "little ears." For centuries, it has been a big part of Polish cuisine. Pierogies are dumplings of unleavened dough and filled with potatoes, cheese, and even fruit. The are boiled and then pan fried in butter to give them a delicious finish before eating.
9 Common Pierogi Combinations
- mashed potato filling
- potato and cheese
- potato and onion
- cheese
- cabbage
- sauerkraut
- ground meat
- mushroom
- spinach or fruit.
Other pierogi servings include melted butter, sour cream, fried bacon crumbles, sautéed mushrooms, and onions and/or green onion. The dessert variety, those filled with a fruit filling, can be enjoyed topped with applesauce, maple syrup, chocolate sauce and/or whipped cream.
There are other similar types of dumpling-like dishes in other ethnic cuisines, but today we are celebration the pierogi and all its deliciousness.
The Eastern European immigrants popularized pierogi in the United States. At first, immigrants served pierogi to only their families. However, some ethnic restaurants served pierogis to their customers. After World War II, ethnic churches sold pierogi as a staple fundraiser. By the 1960s, grocery stores marketed pierogi for the frozen food aisles in many parts of the United States. In fact, grocery stores still sell them today.
While many eat pierogi as a main dish in other countries, Americans typically consider them a side dish.
Pierogi Tid Bits
- The Pittsburgh Pirates hold a pierogi race at every home game. Six pierogi costume-wearing runners (Potato Pete, Jalapeño Hannah, Cheese Chester, Sauerkraut Saul, Oliver Onion, and Bacon Burt) race to the finish line between innings.
- Whiting, Indiana celebrates an annual Pierogi Fest each July.
- Glendon, Alberta, Canada, is home to a 6000-pound pierogi standing 25 feet tall and is made of sturdy fiberglass and steel. Piercing the giant pierogi, built-in 1991, is an equally giant fork.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL PIEROGI DAY
While preparing dinner, make some pierogi. Then, invite some friends for pierogi. It is a delicious way to celebrate with both savory and dessert pierogi. Ask guests to bring their favorite fillings and create a buffet. Have some pierogi and use #NationalPierogiDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL PIEROGI DAY HISTORY
National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this savory and buffet food holiday.
Pierogi FAQ
Q. Can pierogi be fruit-filled?
A. Yes! Pierogi do not have to be the main dish. They can also be filled with fruit. Dust them with powdered sugar to make a delicious dessert!
Q. What should I serve with pierogi?
A. Pierogis can be a heavy dish. So adding some acidic sides will help cut the fat. Some Pierogi side suggestions include:
- salads drizzled with a vinaigrette
- potatoes with sour cream
- brussels sprouts served with a bacon crumble
- roasted or fresh veggies