Serve up a Polish feast for friends
Fri, 07/20/2012 - 12:43 — What Food What Wine team
Why not delve into the cuisine of eastern Europe?
Eastern European dishes can seem like a mystery to many foreign diners but there are plenty of fantastic flavours to be enjoyed from this part of the world.
Traditionally, vodka is the alcoholic beverage of choice across countries like Poland and Russia, often used as a warming drink when the winter kicks in.
Wines also remain popular and can complement typical Polish cuisine beautifully, so why not serve up an eastern European feast to guests this summer?
To begin with, recognise that Poles invest a lot of pride in their cuisine, so do it justice and keep in mind that sauerkraut is a staple.
This is directly translated as sour cabbage, which is shredded and fermented to generate a tangy taste that goes perfectly with meaty meals.
It is common knowledge that sausages are popular in Poland, although they have to be the right variety, so why not cook up a Hunter's Stew, otherwise known as Bigos.
This delectable dish is comprised of a host of meats including pork, bacon and spare ribs, alongside smoked Kielbasa or sausage.
The stew is enriched with sauerkraut, apple juice, tomatoes, mushrooms, onions and seasoning to taste.
It is said that the dish tastes better if it has been given time to cool, so don't be afraid to reheat it for guests.
This also makes it perfect for a dinner party you need to plan ahead for as you won't have to cook on the go.
A light red wine should complement the meal perfectly, leaving guests with enough room for second servings.
A popular Polish entree is soup, such as Kapusniak or Barscz czerwony, which is an ideal introduction to the flavours of this rich culture.
Kapusniak is a light soup made from Kapusta or cabbage that tastes great with a soft white bread.
Alternatively, Barscz czerwony is a warm beetroot soup made with vegetables and sour cream for something a little more dense.
It can be served alongside traditional Polish dumplings for an even heartier starter.
Another tradition popular in Poland, and likely to interest your guests, is the way vodka can be consumed.
Simply serve a shot of vodka and pair it with a gherkin - the vodka should be swallowed in one go, followed by a big bite of the gherkin to offset the fiery taste!
Complete the meal with some favourite Polish desserts like Faworki, pastry twists, Galaretka, sweet jellies or Szarlotka - apple cake served with whipped cream.
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