I am Polish and I love Polish cuisine. Like most married man, I have two Mothers. My real Mama (Barbara) and my Mama-in law (Maria). They are both wonderful woman and amazing cooks. For the longest time I’ve been trying to “steal” their best recipes and share them with my readers. My Mom lives in Poland and I live in Canada so we don’t see each other very often but every time I visit her, she greets me with my favourite dishes I used to eat when growing up. We didn’t have much back then, so the food was very simple with only few ingredients, but my parents always made sure it was healthy, fresh and filling. Needless to say, for me these will always be the most wonderful and delicious meals I could eat. Thank you Mama for sharing…..
Here are my favourite Mama’s Barbara recipes and I hope you like them as much as I do… Bon Appétit.
Delicious and Simple Mushroom Sauce
Here is my Mom’s famous and super simple mushroom sauce recipe. It takes only few minutes to make. You can eat it with pasta (my fav), chicken veal or use as a gravy with your mashed potato. Honestly, I can eat this every single day and never get bored.
Nalesniki – Polish Crepes
Polish Crepes aka Nalesniki are the perfect Sunday breakfast for entire family. Very versatile and super easy to make. You can filled them up with pretty much anything you like. Eat them sweet or savoury, it’s your choice.
Bigos aka Polish Hunter’s Stew
Bigos or Polish Hunter’s Stew, next to pierogies, is the best known, the most comforting and by far the most popular Polish dish. Made by generations of Polish grandmas, it’s as traditional as you can get. Simple, hearty and nourishing.
Polish potato pancakes – Placki ziemniaczane
These crispy, delicious and budget-friendly Polish potato pancakes are true comfort food for kids and adults. Made with just a few ingredients can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch or dinner, any day of the week.
Polish potato casserole – Kartoflak
Kartoflak, a polish version of potato casserole, is a savoury baked dish made of grated potatoes, smoked bacon and sautéed onion. With a food prices at all time high, this dish is very affordable way to make a delicious meal for the entire family.
Polish meat patties – Kotlety mielone
I learned how to make Polish meat patties or Kotlety mielone from my Mom and I have to admit, that she is undoubtedly a master of making delicious cutlets. These classic Polish meat patties are certainly a must-have item in most Polish homes.
Polish Beet Salad aka Buraczki zasmazane
Polish Beet Salad aka Buraczki zasmazane, is a very traditional and delicious addition to a dinner. It can be made with just few ingredients and it is one of the most popular add-ons to any Polish dinner. Perfect side dish for Polish meat cutlets, pork chops or schnitzel.
Polish cucumber salad also known as Mizeria
This super refreshing, creamy and crunchy Polish cucumber salad, also known as Mizeria, is incredibly simple but incredibly delicious. My Mom, during the summer months, makes this salad at least 3 times a week and everyone loves it.
My Dad’s lettuce salad
My Dad’s lettuce salad was probably my favourite summer salad when I was growing up. Dad would go every day to the local farmer’s market to get fresh ingredients for his famous dishes. He would buy whatever was available at that time and make up his own recipes.
Polish Dill Pickle Soup, also known as “Zupa Ogórkowa”
Polish Dill Pickle Soup, also known as “Zupa Ogórkowa,” is a traditional Polish soup my Mom used to make very often during winter. This is without a doubt, one of the most unique soups you’ve ever had. If you enjoy the flavour of dill pickles and like to try new things, I highly recommend it.
Polish Sauerkraut Soup aka Kapusniak
This Polish Sauerkraut Soup aka Kapusniak, is one of the heartiest soups you can make. It is sharp, smokey, comforting and budget-friendly. Undoubtedly one of the classics among Polish soups.
Polish Mushroom Soup – Zupa grzybowa
Few soups have as much magical, soul-warming and comforting feeling as Polish mushroom soup, aka zupa grzybowa. If you are craving something really delicious on a cold day, this creamy soup is what you need.
Polish Red Borscht – Barszcz Czerwony
Polish Red Borscht aka Barszcz Czerwony, is a soup that many of us associate with the flavours of childhood. We love our borscht soups in Poland and it is one of the flagships of Polish cuisine.
Polish Chocolate Cake
Traditional Polish chocolate cake is very popular in Poland. It’s super easy to make with only few ingredients, insanely moist and delicious. Try Mama’s traditional recipe and fall in love with this cake.
Polish Apple Pie – Szarlotka
Szarlotka aka Polish apple pie is a popular dessert in every Polish home, cafe and bakery. My Mom used to make it every week. It was perfect after school snack.
Polish Barley Soup – Krupnik
Polish Krupnik Soup, also known as barley soup, is a traditional dish that has been enjoyed in Poland for centuries. The soup is made with pearl barley, chicken, and vegetables for a rich and flavorful taste.
Polish Vegetable Salad – Sałatka Jarzynowa
Polish vegetable salad aka Salatka Jarzynowa, it’s a perfect dish for every holiday and family gathering. It’s creamy, colourful and so delicious. Here is my Mom’s classic recipe
Spring Cabbage aka Młoda Kapusta
My Mom’s great recipe for a Spring Cabbage aka Młoda Kapusta. It’s a spring classic, light and crispy, super easy to make and very budget friendly.
Polish Young Beets Soup aka Botwinka
Polish Young Beets Soup aka Botwinka is a very popular Polish soup made from young beets, typically served in the summer when young beets are in season.
Polish Potato Dumplings – Kluski Ziemniaczane
Polish Potato Dumplings aka Kluski Ziemniaczane are extremely simple to make, very tasty and super budget friendly. All you need is potatoes, flour and 20 minutes.
Pasta with Strawberries – Kluski z Truskawkami
This dish brings back a lot of nostalgic memories. Pasta with strawberries or kluski z truskawkami was always a big hit in our home every summer. A quick, simple and delicious dinner done with only few ingredients.
Polish Egg Noodles with Cottage Cheese and Bacon
Polish Egg Noodles with Cottage Cheese and Bacon will definitely appeal to lovers of Polish cuisine. So simple and homely. This is one of those dishes that will always bring to mind holidays at grandma’s or summer dinners at mom’s or aunt’s.
Traditional Polish Chicken Soup – Rosół
Rosół, the queen of Polish soups, is the most iconic of Polish comfort foods. When I visit my Mom in Poland, especially during winter, we have it once a week. It is believed that Rosół have a healing power and is perfect to soothe sore throat and ease the misery of colds and flu.