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Introduction
One of the biggest parts of my cultural identity is being Polish. My dad is 100% Polish which makes me 50%. Growing up, my grandma loved to cook traditional Polish dishes to help connect my dad to his roots, one of those dishes being pierogi. Pierogi is a polish dumpling with many possible fillings. These fillings can include traditional Polish spices and ingredients to create incredible flavor combinations. These flavorings can be both sweet and savory, including fruits, vegetables, protein, and much more. My love for my grandma and her drive for cooking inspired me to research pierogi further.
Image of St. Hyacinth (nashvilledominican.org)
History of the Pierogi
History of the Pierogi
Not much is known about the history of pierogi, which has led to many different stories, speculations, myths and legends. According to Polish legend, St. Hyacinth, a Dominican missionary who passed away in Kraków in 1257, is credited for introducing the dumpling to the country. Other sources claim Central and Eastern European immigrants introduced pierogi to the United States and Canada. They are especially popular in areas with large Polish or Ukrainian populations, such as Pittsburgh, Chicago, New York City, and its New Jersey suburbs.
Most pierogi legends are simply obscure stories without much historical context, however, they are still fun and engaging! Many of the legends revolving around pierogi talk about St Hyacinth. “One legend relates that in 1238, Hyacinth of Poland visited Kościelec, and on his visit, a storm destroyed all crops; Hyacinth told everyone to pray and by the next day, crops rose back up. As a sign of gratitude, people made pierogi from those crops for Saint Hyacinth.”
Varieties of Pierogi
Varieties of Pierogi
Pierogi in their classic shape resemble smaller, Italian packed dumplings like tortellini as well as Chinese jiaozi. Pierogi can be filled with a variety of ingredients, including mashed potatoes, fried onions, cheese, cabbage, sauerkraut, meat, mushrooms, spinach, and more, depending on personal taste and tradition. Dessert pierogi can be filled with sweetened quark cheese or a variety of fresh fruits like cherry, strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, apple, or plum.
It's fascinating to contemplate the dedication and labor involved in making pierogi. Despite the considerable amount of time and effort invested in their preparation, they are often consumed in mere moments once served. However, this stark contrast between the time spent cooking and the time spent eating doesn't diminish their appeal for pierogi enthusiasts. Those who have experienced both the making and the savoring of homemade pierogi can attest that the effort put in is undeniably justified by the flavorful outcome.
Pirates Pierogies (mashed.com)
World's Biggest Pierogi (mashed.com)
Pierogi Fun Facts
Pierogi Fun Facts
Aside from the fun legends that come with pierogi, pierogi comes with a plethora of fun facts that have been formed throughout the years! For example, while the Polish-American population in Pittsburgh has decreased over the years, the city's strong connection to Polish culture persists. This bond is exemplified by Mrs. T's Pierogies sponsoring the Pirates Pierogies, mascots for the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team, for several decades!
With a plethora of unconventional holidays filling the calendar, ranging from Kiss a Ginger Day to Sword Swallowers Day, it would be unusual if pierogi didn't have its own dedicated national day. National Pierogi Day, established by Mrs. T's Pierogies in 2008, lands on October 8 each year. In addition, given the significant influence of Catholicism on shaping the worldview of Eastern European countries like Poland, it's predictable that the nation boasts numerous patron saints, among them St. Hyacinth, who is also revered as the patron saint of pierogi. Pierogi is a loved dish all around the world, however there are some people who love pierogi so much they had to make the biggest one they could! “The Cleveland school didn't just set a world record for the largest pierogi ever made — they cooked one weighing a mind-boggling 215.5 pounds” what a record!
Conclusion
Conclusion
Pierogi is a simple dish originating from Poland, however its effect on families and food culture as a whole has been immense. My grandma is one of the most influential people in my life. I have learned so much from her and I appreciate all the special moments I have made and will continue to make with her. My grandma's love and drive to cook authentic, traditional meals that reflect her culture inspire me every day. This drive my grandma possesses has now passed on to me. I strive to learn all about my ancestry so I can provide traditionally accurate meals for my family, connecting us all back to our roots.
Image exemplifying how Pierogi brought me and my grandmother together (made by me!)
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