What is pierogi?

Pierogi is Polish Soul Food!! They are traditional filled dumplings of Central and Eastern European origin. Made by wrapping unleavened dough around a variety of fillings, which can be savory or sweet. Common fillings include potato, cheese, sauerkraut, ground meat, mushrooms, and fruits. Pierogi are typically boiled, although they can also be fried or baked after boiling for a crispier texture. Pierogi are often served with toppings like sour cream, fried onions, or both.

pierogi is already plural

Pierogi, pierogies, perogy, any way you spell it, Pierogi is the proper spelling and it’s plural. Pierog is singular, but we don’t know anyone who eats just one Pierog therefore we eat Pierogi because we usually eat at least two or three or twelve …. we don’t judge! Eat as many as you want!

how to pronounce pierogi?

First let us note that we are American, and we do not know the Polish language. We grew up with the American English pronunciation of Pierogi as "pee-eh-roh-ghee" or "purr-oh-ghee". The emphasis is on the first syllable, and the “ghee” part rhymes with key. However, we spent enough time with people who speak the Polish language to tell us there are several ways to pronounce Pierogi depending on which region of Poland people are from. Polish, like any language, has formal and informal ways of saying words. Here’s how you can say “pierogi” in both formal and informal contexts:

Formal:

• PIEH-roh-gee

• pjeh-ROH-gee

• pee-yeh-ROH-gee

Informal:

• pee-ROH-gee

• pyeh-ROH-gee

• pyeh-RAW-gee

Watch this video to hear the proper pronunciation!

What foods pair well with pierogi?

Pierogi are so versatile and easy to pair with or just eat them on their own. For savory pierogi pair them with your favorite protein and/or vegetable. Choose your favorite protein (fish, tofu, edamame, seitan, chicken, ribs, burger, steak, chops, eggs), then choose veggie (caramelized onions with mushrooms is popular, roasted, fried or sauteed vegetable of any kind) then choose your pierogi (can be steamed, pan fried, air fried, baked or deep fried) then use your favorite condiment or sauce. For sweet cheese pierogi, pair them with your favorite fruit (Strawberry, Blueberry, Pineapple, Apples), make a sauce with the fruit to drizzle on the pierogi (or buy pie filling already made up) then top it with whipped cream, chocolate sauce or caramel with chopped nuts, A traditional sweet topping is adding a bit of sugar to sour cream for a sweetened sour cream topping (don’t knock it till you try it!).