The largest Polish festival in the U.S. will be happening from June 19- 21 at Henry W. Maier Festival Park in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The three day event features live entertainment, food vendors, cooking demonstrations, vodka tastings, a cultural village, a Sukiennice marketplace, and much more.

For more information about the event, please visit the official Polish Fest website.

Polish Fest
http://www.polishfest.org

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Traditional Polish Pierogi with potato and cheese filling.

What is a Pierogi?

Pierogi is a dumpling of dough stuffed with various ingredients such as vegetables, fruit, cheese, or meat. It is often served with a side of sour cream and onions.

History of the Pierogi

It is unclear about where the pierogi originated from because it did not develop within a certain region over time. However, it is believed the dumpling came from the Orient across Central Asia where they were once more veggie-filled and into Eastern Europe. Today, the pierogi is most associated with the country of Poland.

Types of Pierogi

Besides the traditional Polish pierogi, there are many varieties of the dumpling.

In Hungary, the equivalent of Pierogi is derelye, which are dough pockets filled with jam or meat.

A similar version of the dumpling in Russia is known as pelmeni. Unlike the pierogi, it is thinner and contains more filling. It does not include any sweet fillings.

In Ukraine, varenyky refers to a type of boiled dumpling. It usually contains cheese and potatoe filling.

How to Cook and Prepare Pierogi

Pierogi can be prepared in several different ways including baking them in an oven, boiling, deep-frying, or even sautéing them. It’s really matter of preference or what type of pierogi from a specific country or region you would like to make. For instance, a traditional Polish pierogi is made with potatoes and cheese filling and is prepared over a stove top.

Below are different recipes for making these delicious dumplings.

Recipe Ideas – Polish pierogi dough and potatoe and cheese fillings recipes
http://www.recipe-ideas.co.uk/recipes-7/Polish%20Pierogi.htm

Taste of Home – Polish pierogi recipe
http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Polish-Pierogi

Every Day with Rachael Ray – Holiday pierogi with brown butter

http://www.rachaelraymag.com/recipes/pizza-pasta-recipes/holiday-pierogi-with-brown-butter/article.html

Great Places to Eat a Pierogi

• Chicago

This vibrant city has the largest population of Polish immigrants and descents outside of Poland. You will find some of the best Polish pierogi dishes while being immersed into the culture and community.

Kasia’s Deli (Voted Chicago’s Best Pierogi!)
2101 W Chicago Ave,
Chicago, IL 60622
http://www.kasiasdeli.com

• New York

One of the most diverse and multicultural cities in North American, New York is the place for a wide variety of ethic foods. There’s no shortage of pierogi dishes here!

Karczma Brooklyn
136 Greenpoint Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11222
http://karczmabrooklyn.com

• Western Canada

Although, the pierogi is most associated with Polish cuisine. Ukrainian food also has many similar dishes. The next time you find yourself visiting the area you might want to find your nearest Ukrainian restaurant and enjoy a delicious home-made pierogi. You won’t be disappointed!

Taste of Ukraine
12210 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta
T5N 3K3
http://www.tasteofukraine.com

• Poland

What better place to eat a pierogi than in the country that makes some of the best and most popular pierogi dishes in the world!

Just for Fun

Pierogi is such a well-loved food there’s even an annual Pierogi festival in the town of Whiting, Indiana. The event features a parade, music and dance performances, contests, and of course lot’s of pierogi eating!

Pierogi Fest
http://www.pierogifest.net

If that doesn’t get you going for some crazy pierogi fun! There’s also the Great Pierogi Race which is an annual promotion for the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team. The event involves contestants racing in giant pierogies costumes. Need I say more? See the video link below.

Great Pierogi Race
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAJdNDqfZbU

The world’s largest pierogi statute is located in the village of Glendon, Alberta, Canada. The 25 foot, 6000 pound, fibreglass statute was built in 1993 as a tribute to the area’s Ukrainian heritage.

The Village of Glendon
http://md.bonnyville.ab.ca/visitors/3glendon.html

Related posts:

1. World’s Largest Pierogi Statue
2. Traditional Polish foods
3. Polish Fest: America’s largest polish festival