Made with Polish sausage, they’re loaded with savory herbs and spices for that authentic European flavor. Thick, meaty sausages are a delicacy throughout the continent, but they’re especially yummy in Poland. Also known as Kielbasa, Polish-style sausage is more of an experience than a snack with intense flavor and punchy taste. Typically made with pork or beef, it comes in a range of varieties – smoked, fresh, spicy, mild – and is prepared in a number of ways. The most common is a savory garlic flavor, but you may also catch a hint of marjoram, clove, or juniper. This list of Polish sausage recipes gives you plenty of options. From fun Polish hot dogs to irresistible pies and satisfying stews, sausage makes everything better. So what are you waiting for? Head to your nearest deli and pick up a few links. It’s time to take your tastebuds on a trip!
What is the Best Way to Cook Polish Sausage?
There are a few different ways to enjoy kielbasa, so cooks of all abilities can put it in their recipe rotation. You can grill your sausages, fry them, or simply chop them up and add them to a juicy stew or comforting casserole. Try them on the BBQ in summer or add chunks to a warming winter hash when cold weather strikes. They’re delicious either way!
What is the Difference Between Polish Sausage and Kielbasa?
Kielbasa and Polish sausage usually refer to the same thing. The word kielbasa actually means sausage when translated from Polish. Just as the Germans have their bratwurst, the Poles have their kielbasa. But it’s hard to pin down this savory meat, as it comes in so many different varieties, from the ultra-traditional smoked kind to the more modern flavored links.
1. Polish Sausage Dogs
It’s a hot dog, but not as you know it! Give the classic American classic a Polish twist by serving up kielbasa dogs for your next BBQ. Chunky smoked sausages are fried until sizzling and brown, then piled into a bun and topped with caramelized onions. Serve these with all the usual accompaniments – ketchup, mustard, relish – and don’t forget the napkins because they could get messy!
2. Smoked Polish Sausage Soup
Loaded with juicy bites of sausage, soft vegetables, and hearty potatoes, this is a rich and filling stew. It’s perfect for frosty evenings when you need something to put a bit of fire in your belly. Mash up a few potatoes to make it nice and thick, then slurp it down with a side of crusty bread. This is a cozy bowl of goodness.
3. Smoked Polish Sausage and Sauerkraut
In Poland, sausage is almost always served with sauerkraut. The combination of tangy cabbage and smoked sausage makes for a mouthwatering meal. This recipe tastes just like a traditional Polish feast. Simply curl your sausage into the bottom of a Dutch oven, top with a thick layer of sauerkraut, and bake. The cabbage flavors the sausage as it cooks and you’re left with a succulent mix of sour and savory tastes.
4. Polish Sausage and Pepper Pasta
This flavorful, one-pot meal is a hearty dish that’s perfect for mid-week dinners. It’s a yummy bowl of tender pasta tubes, sweet peppers, and smoked sausage. Load it up with melted cheddar cheese, and this one will soon be a family favorite.
5. Polish Sausage and Veggies
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of this dish. It might be easy, quick, and convenient, but it’s also crazy delicious. Chop your sausage into thick slices, then saute it with potatoes, onions, and peppers. Sprinkle everything with a generous helping of Cajun seasoning for a fiery bite and enjoy!
6. Kielbasa and Lentil Soup
This chunky stew is so gorgeously thick and filling, it’s equally welcome at a dinner party or a simple supper. The base is a rich tomato-scented broth flavored with garlic, onion, celery, and fennel. Add in slices of freshly browned kielbasa and lentils. Cover everything and let it simmer. As the lentils soften, there’s plenty of time for the flavors to mingle and create an irresistibly inviting stew. It smells great, it tastes great, and it’s even better the day after when you nibble the leftovers.
7. Kielbasa and Pierogi Sheet Pan Dinner
Sheet pan meals are my go-to on busy nights and rushed evenings. They’re so easy – just prep your ingredients, toss them onto a baking tray, and let the oven do the work! This recipe includes pierogies, which are European-style dumplings made from mashed potatoes and cheese. Buy them frozen to save yourself some work and pile them onto a pan along with kielbasa and vegetables. Pull everything out of the oven when it’s gorgeously golden brown and serve with a fresh green salad if you’re hosting a crowd.
8. Polish Beans and Sausage
This unfussy meal is ideal for people who like good food, served simply. It’s a hearty mix of white beans, tomato paste, sausage, bacon, and spices. It’s all cooked together in a stove-top skillet for a meal you can get on the table super-fast and super-easily. Also known as fasolka po bretońsku (don’t worry, you don’t have to know how to pronounce it to cook it), this is a very traditional dish that’s popular in France, Poland, and across Europe.
9. Bigos (Polish Hunter’s Stew)
You don’t have to be a seasoned hunter to enjoy this rustic stew. Although, it is best enjoyed after a hard day’s work when you need something soothing for body and soul. Pork, kielbasa, and sauerkraut are simmered together in a fragrant broth until perfectly juicy. It’s best to cook this stew low and slow, letting the flavors blend together over several hours. Make it a weekend project, and you’ll have an easy meal on hand for Monday’s dinner!
10. Sausage and Potato Pot Pie
Pot pie is basically a hug on a plate, and this unique recipe is no exception. Sausage, carrot, potatoes, and peas are encased in a rich gravy and baked in golden flaky pastry. This heavenly pie can be made ahead of time and reheated for a quick weeknight meal or scaled up to serve at your next family gathering. Click on a star to rate it!
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