Pierogi are filled dumplings made by wrapping unleavened dough around a savoury or sweet filling and cooking in boiling water. They are often pan-fried before serving.

Today this dish is closely associated with cuisine of Poland and other Eastern European countries like Ukraine. It is considered as the one of the most famous dishes of Poland worldwide. 

From simple, potato and cheese-stuffed pierogi to pierogi stuffed with rare wild mushrooms or salmon, to sweet and tangy plum pierogi, this dish offers something to all. So the dish rightfully deserves a holiday for itself. 

While the origin of the pierogi is often under debate, the exact origin of the dish is unknown and cannot be verified. Dumplings most likely originated in China and became widespread in Europe during the Middle Ages or later periods. It is believed that pierogi were popularised by Marco Polo's expeditions through the Silk Road, thus suggesting a connection to mantou. 

Other sources states that around the 13th century, pierogi were brought by Saint Hyacinth of Poland from the Far East (Asia) via what was then known as the Kievan Rus. These became characteristic to Central and East European cuisines, where different varieties including preparation methods, ingredients and fillings were invented. Then during the times of the Polish-Lithunian commonwealth this dish became quickly popular among all of the territory of the empire. 

Traditionally considered peasant food, pierogi eventually started to gain popularity and spread throughout all social classes, including the nobility. Cookbooks from the 17th century describe how during that era, the pierogi were considered a staple of the Polish diet, and each holiday had its own special kind of pierogi created. They have different shapes, fillings and cooking methods. Important events like weddings had their own special type of pierogi kurniki which is a baked pie filled with chicken. 

Pierogi were often made especially for mournings or wakes, and some for caroling season in January. In the east baked pierogi are a common and well-liked Christmas dish. They were stuffed with potatoes, cheese, cabbage, mushrooms, buckwheat or millet. The most famous is the Bilgoraj pierogi stuffed with buckwheat, potatoes and cheese and then baked in the oven. 

Pierogi or their varieties today are associated with the cuisines of Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe. Dumplings most likely originated in Asia and came to Europe via trade in the Middle Ages. The widely-used English name pierogi was derived from Polish. In some parts of Eastern Europe like in Ukraine where also they are very popular, they are known as varenyky. Pierogi are also popular in modern-day American and Canadian cuisine.

Pierogi is a very popular dish today because of the huge variety that it offers that fits to the taste of everyone. Typical fillings generally include potato, cheese, quark, sauerkraut, ground meat, edible mushrooms, and fruits. Dessert versions of the dumpling can be stuffed with sweetened quark or with a fresh fruit filling such as cherry, strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, apple or plum; stoned prunes are sometimes used, as well as jam. For more flavor, sour cream also can be added to the dough mixture, and this tends to lighten the dough.

The dough, which is made by mixing flour and warm water, sometimes with an egg, is rolled flat and then cut into squares with a knife or circles using a cup or drinking glass. The dough can be made with some mashed potato, creating a smoother texture. The filling is placed in the middle and the dough folded over to form a half circle or rectangle or triangle if the dough is cut squarely. The seams are pressed together to seal the pierogi so that the filling will remain inside when it is cooked. The pierogi are simmered until they float, drained, and then sometimes fried or baked in butter before serving or fried as leftovers. 

Today the pierogi are one of the most popular dish that you can find in Poland and through immigration and cultural exchange this dish has been very successful in making its mark all over the world especially in the United States where this dish is already very popular. Pierogi are an important part of Polish festive seasons, particularly Christmas Eve (Wigilia supper) and Christmastide. They are also served during public events, markets or festivals in a variety of forms and tastes, ranging from sweet to salty and spicy.

The best possible way to celebrate this day is to try some real Polish pierogi, of course. Wel it is highly likely that pierogi that we get in the west is mostly not authentic because of obvious reasons so it is very important to choose that from where you should try to take pierogi, we will suggest you to get a pierogi from a restaurant run Polish immigrants for the most authentic taste however still it might be not authentic as you will get in Poland but where you live it will be the best choice for you to try. 

If you’re feeling really adventurou and likes to challenge yourself then you can try to make your own pierogi. The easiest and most basic pierogi are stuffed with a simple mixture of onions, farmer’s cheese and potatoes, and are a good kind of pierogi to start your Polish cuisine experience with if you are not familiar with it and if you are then try to do some different and make your pierogi with your own taste. 

Invite some of your friends or relatives as guests and then challenge your guests to make their best pierogi. It’s a great way to get more familiar with Polish cuisine, and the best part is you get to taste them all! Along with these by doing so you will also get to mark this day while having a fun time with your friends during the competition checking their cooking skills and at last you will get different tastes to taste on this day. 

1. When is National Pierogi Day celebrated? 

National Pierogi Day is annually celebrated on October 8th in US. 

Pierogies are a relatively healthy dish, as it offers a balance of all three macronutrients, which translates to a suitable range of calories.

3. Are pierogies Polish or Russian? 

Pierogi are one of the most recognizable Polish foods. Pierogi is actually the plural form of the word pierog, a generic term for filled dumplings.