Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to commonly asked questions about pierogi.
What is a pierogi?
Pierogi are a filled dough pocket. While most compare the dough to a noodle dough, there are many different recipes for making the dough. Pierogi fillings are traditionally potato, a mixture of potato and farmers cheese, farmers cheese, sauerkraut (i.e., kapusta), and berries. More inventive fillings can include Buffalo Chicken, Jalapeño, Bacon Cheeseburger, Veggie, and many others.
How are pierogi prepared?
Typically, pierogi are first boiled in salted water. They are then either eaten like that with melted butter or they can be fried with butter and onions. Sweet pierogi are typically served with a cream sauce that compliments their sweetness.
Are pierogi only for holidays?
Absolutely not. They are served year-around and are just one of those great comfort foods we all enjoy.
Who is the largest producer of frozen pierogi?
The largest producer (still) of frozen pierogi in the U.S. was founded in Pennsylvania by Mary Twardzik and her son, Ted. They began Mrs. T’s Pierogies — a popular frozen pierogi company — in Shenandoah, PA in 1952.
Where can I get good pierogi?
At the race of course! Seriously, in New York’s Capital Region you can find a lot of sources for really good pierogi. Euro Deli in Latham carries their own homemade and frozen pierogi. Local churches often sell homemade pierogi at events and as fundraisers. Polish clubs in the area also have them. Keep your eye out on Facebook and in Newspapers for a location near you.
What is the nutritional value of a pierogi?
For one potato cheese pierogi:
Calories 70
Total Fat 1.67g
Saturated Fat 0.658g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.263g
Monounsaturated Fat 0.554g
Cholesterol 22mg
Sodium 95mg
Total Carbohydrate 11g
Dietary Fiber 0.5g
Sugars 0.44g
Protein 2.51g
Calcium 22mg
Iron 0.68mg
Potassium 60mg
Vitamin A 16mcg
Vitamin C 1.1mg
These are general values which will vary based on size and cooking method.
Is there a Patron Saint of pierogi?
Yes, there is a patron saint of pierogi. Saint Hyacinth is that patron saint. There is an old Polish saying “Święty Jacku z pierogami!” (“Saint Hyacinth and his pierogi!”) which is a call for help in the midst of hopeless circumstances.
It is believed that on July 13, 1238, in the town of Kościelec, a hailstorm broke out during his visit destroying all the crops. Hyacinth told the people to pray and the following day the crops were miraculously restored. The people thanked Hyacinth by making him pierogi from the crops.
Pierogi, Pierogis, Varenyky, пельмени, Piroshki?
The Polish dish is properly referred to as pierogi both in the singular and plural. .Ukrainian and Russian styles are also lovely. However you pronounce it – they’re yummy.
Is there a world record for pierogi?
Yes, there are several records:
The largest pierogi weighed 55.79 kg (123 lb) and was achieved by Rivers Casino (USA) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on October 8, 2014.
The record for making pierogi was set in 2019 by Beata Jasek from Kraków, Poland. She made over a thousand pierogi (1066 to be exact!) in one hour, the equivalent of making one pierogi every 3.4 seconds!
Joey Chestnut beat three competitors in a Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers halftime pierogi eating contest. Joey Chestnut ate a whopping 39 pierogi by himself, while the other three contestants ate a combined total of 23.
Pierogi in Television and Movies?
A popular food, pierogi have appeared in many movies, television shows, and on cooking channels. Among them are:
Men in Black (1997)
Star Trek: Voyager Episode: Homestead (S7, Ep 23)
Diners, Drive-ins and Dives Episode: Bar Food (2008)
Hot in Cleveland Episode: One Thing or a Mother (2011)
Interesting pierogi inspirations?
There have been many. Some include:
A baby’s name: The name of a baby penguin in the Cincinnati Zoo. Pierogi was born on New Year’s Eve 2018..
A monument: A ‘Giant Perogy’ monument in Glendon, Alberta, Canada.
A race: The Great Pierogi Race of pierogi mascots during Pittsburgh Pirates home games at PNC Park.
A rhyme: In Nobel Poet Wisława Szymborska’s book Rymowanki dla Dużych Dzieci (Rhymes for Grown-Up Children).
An art gallery: at 155 Suffolk Street, New York, NY. The Pierogi Gallery has presented the works of numerous up-and-coming artists.
