Polish food

 This post is dedicated to the typical food of this country. Polish cuisine is quite varied, and it is also different from region to region. Another feature is that it is influenced by other countries due to the numerous invasions suffered by Poland in different historical periods. As an Italian girl, the first time I tasted polish food, I was sceptical, but over time, I learned to appreciate all the flavours. In my opinion, it is a very hearty food, which I think is linked to the fact of the low winter temperatures. However, what I admire most, is how much polish people dedicated their attention to the food, using mostly fresh and local products. A bit like in Italy!! My favourite dish, which I also learned how to cook, are the Pierogi Ruskie, which are dumplings stuffed with potatoes and a cheese called 'twaróg', cooked and garnished with smoked bacon and onion fried in the pan. However, there are many variations for the filling, which can be with sauerkraut, mushrooms or meat. We also find the sweet version, that can have a fruit filling.

Pierogi Ruskie

Polish gastronomy is also rich in soups, and here we find the famous Barszcz, which can be biały (white) or czerwony (red), the Rosoł and Zupa Grzybowa (mushrooms soup). There would be many other soups with different meats and vegetables, but the list would be endless. At the top of the ranking, for the finest palates, we find the Bigos, much loved by my brother, made of sauerkraut, meat and spices. This dish with an acid aftertaste has a very decisive and particular flavour.

Barszcz biały

Gulasz is a tasty meat stew, often accompanied by Placki Ziemniaczane, which are potato pancakes, and last but not least regarding the meat, we have Kotlet Schabowy and Mielony.  Moving to the desserts, I absolutely love the Sernik, a cake made with soft white cheese, comparable (not in taste 😜) to a cheesecake. Also, Pączki are delicious doughnuts filled with jam and most of the time prepared for carnival. 

Kotlet Schabowy

The list of foods mentioned above is not exhaustive, but if one day you decide to go to Poland, you should note these names down. In the meantime, below, I have attached for you the recipe of my mother-in-law for Pierogi Ruskie with which you can practice.

INGREDIENTS:

 DOUGHT 

• 
  2 glasses of wheat flour 
• half glass of water
• 1 egg                             

STUFFING

• 500g of boiled potatoes
• 250g of white cheese
• 1 onion
• 2 spoons of butter
• salt and pepper

My mother-in-law making pierogi

PROCESS:

1. For the cake, using the given ingredients, mix everything together and work on the dough until you do not reach a uniform and smooth consistency. 
2. Add the potatoes to the white cheese and the onion fried in butter, then mix it all together. Season it with salt and pepper.
3. Stretch the dough and with a help of a round glass create circles.
4. Put the stuffing on each of the circles and stick the dumplings together. 

ENJOY and SMACZNEGO!!

Zakopane

If you want to be enchanted by Poland, you certainly cannot miss visiting Zakopane. This hidden gem is located in the southern part of the country, on the Tatra mountains at the border with Slovakia. One post is not enough to describe how you can be amazed both in the summer and winter. In fact, this is one of my favourite places in Poland to visit, especially at Christmas when everything becomes more magical with the help of the snow.

Krupówki at night

Krupówki is the high street, and there, you can find many stalls selling the typical handcrafted product and the famous 'Oscypek', a smoked sheep's cheese that can be enjoyed accompanied by a berries jam. The street is also full of restaurants offering polish and local specialities, and in the evening, you can enjoy dinner with a shot of Wódka listening to the 'Goralski' music played live. Here below, I have posted some links to my favourite songs to listen to Goralski music: 

(189) Hej, szalała (Góralska piosenka ludowa | Polish Highlanders' folk song) - YouTube 

(189) TerazMy - Takiego Janicka - YouTube

(189) Baciary - Bystro Woda - YouTube 

Giewont  

 

If you like to hike, then this is the ideal destination for you in the summer. Through pre-established routes, you can get to the top of the mountains Kasprowy Wierch, Gubałówka and Giewont where you can enjoy a wonderful panorama and breath the best fresh air. If you are lucky enough and there is no fog, you can also admire the view of the town from the top of Gubałówka. For people unable to hike, you can get to the top of the mountains by cable car and enjoy the little trip surrounded by the nature.

Kasprowy Wierch

These mountains are also loved by the skiers, in fact, Zakopane is equipped with different ski resorts and Wielka Krokiew, a big ski jumping hill that hosts different competitions. Another place that can leave you astonished, is Morskie Oko, which we can translate as 'Sea Eye'. This a big lake surrounded by mountains and loved by all the visitors. To get to the lake, you have to walk a little bit, but once arrived you won't regret it, as the atmosphere is worth it all. As I have mentioned before, a post regarding this town is not enough as you have other beautiful attractions to see, so, if you like mountains and tradition, whether you prefer summer or winter, this is one of those places that is definitely worth a visit.