ComScore

12 Old-School Recipes Your Polish Grandma Used to Make

Polish food is like a giant hug on a plate—warm, hearty and full of sausage, cheese and potatoes (aka all of our favorites). We wish our babci were always at our kitchen table, folding up a batch of pierogis or pulling the cabbage rolls out of the oven. But if she can’t be, here are 12 of our favorite dishes to recreate at home.

24 Old-School Recipes Your Italian Grandma Used to Make


Stuffed Cabbage Rolls With Rice, Lentils And Currants

A lighter take on the classic dish, from Coterie member Gena Hamshaw.

One-pot Lentil Kielbasa Soup

The more smoky sausage, the merrier (with plenty of healthy lentils and veggies to balance it out).

Potato Latkes

We don’t know why potato pancakes became a Hanukkah-only food. In our household, they’re welcome year-round.


Cheddar Pierogies

Pasta, potatoes and cheese? Sign us up. It doesn’t get any more classically Polish than this, and we are here for it.

Cabbage And Noodles

Simple, budget-friendly and oh-so comforting. Best of all, it’s a quick weeknight standby that’s ready in 40 minutes.

Nutella Babka

OK, your babci probably didn’t use Nutella. But we think it’s a very welcome addition.

Quick Mashed Potatoes

Serve with kielbasa or another type of Polish sausage. Repeat, ad infinitum.

Polish Yeast Pancakes

We love these not-too-sweet pancakes for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. (Don’t forget the fruit compote.)

Cabbage Roll Soup

It just doesn’t get any cozier than this. Serve this comfort food staple with crusty bread and watch it disappear.

Foil Packet Sausages With Peppers And Onions

We love this totally hands-off recipe for summer cookouts and tailgate parties.

Polish Borscht

Fun fact: In Poland, this vegetarian soup is traditionally eaten on Christmas Eve. But we love it so much, we eat it all year round.

Dill Pickle Soup

Honestly, we understand the skepticism. But this creamy, sour soup is a lunch staple in Poland and we can totally see why.