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Christmas in Poland culinary journey through Polish regional traditions
Table of Contents
1. A common tradition of 12 dishes
In Poland, the tradition of eating 12 dishes at Christmas has a deeply rooted symbolic meaning. This number refers to two important elements: 12 months in a year and 12 apostles. It was believed that eating so many dishes during the Christmas dinner would bring happiness and prosperity throughout the coming year.2. Traditional Christmas dishes common to many Polish households
Polish Christmas has a unique character tradition is then combined with symbolism. Although the cuisine of each region brings its own unique flavors and dishes, there are dishes that can be considered common to the whole country. Their presence in different versions testifies to the unity of Christmas traditions despite regional differences in the way of preparation or serving.3. Christmas soup
One of the most common dishes on the Christmas table is the soup that opens a solemn dinner. In many homes, a red barbecue with ears filled with mushroom or cabbage stuffing is served, but equally popular are: mushroom, fish or fasting acid soup. These dishes are aromatic, light and full of symbols.4. Fresh fruit and vegetables
Pierogi is a classic of Polish cuisine, and in the Christmas version with cabbage and mushrooms or cassava are present in almost every home. Their delicate cake and aromatic farsa are a combination that has been enjoyed by Poles for centuries. In many families pierogi have not only a culinary, but also a symbolic dimension.5. Carp
Karp is a fish that has become an integral part of Christmas in Poland. It is served in various forms fried in a pan, baked, cooked in gallaret or prepared in other forms. Its popularity increased after World War II and during the PRL, when it was cheap, easily accessible and promoted by the authorities as an element of the Christmas menu. Today, despite its pragmatic origin, it is associated with Christmas and has become the Polish symbol of Christmas celebrations (M. Rudzka 2024).6. Dry compote
This typical Christmas drink is made from dried fruits such as plums, apples, pears, and morels.7. Cabbage
Cabbage, often cooked with the addition of dried truffles or pickles, is another dish common to all of Poland.8. Box/cups with maple
Maca, symbolizing fertility and abundance, is an important ingredient in the Christmas menu. In many regions of Kuta, a mixture of wheat, maca, honey, and bacon is a must-have, while in other regions, noodles with maca are popular.9. Fish in different shades
In addition to carp, other fish are also featured on the Christmas table, such as fish in oil, cream, or onion.10. Pencil, peaches and mackerel
Piernik is one of the most traditional Polish cakes, whose history dates back to the Middle Ages. Its name comes from the old Polish word pierny, meaning pieprzny or rozenny it is a reference to the intense spices that give the cake a characteristic flavor.11. Traditional regional Christmas dishes
Despite the many common elements throughout the country, many regions stand out for their own Christmas traditions cuisines and ways of preparing them which confirms the extraordinary diversity of Polish cuisine.12. Eastern Poland has the taste of Kres
In the eastern regions of Poland, such as Podlasie and Lubelszczyzna, the holiday tables are dominated by cuisine-inspired dishes. Popular are the couscous, i.e. cooked wheat with macca, honey and bacon, and cabbage and mushrooms, but also with cassava.13. More traditional in central Poland
Traditional Christmas dishes in Mazowsz are mainly mushroom soup, fish in gallaret and pasta noodles, often served with the addition of honey and bacon. An important element is carp baked, fried or served with vinegar.14. Little Polish, rich in mountain flavours
In Poland, Christmas dishes reflect the mountain tradition and the use of local ingredients. On the tables there are mosquitoes, i.e. baked potatoes, cooked peas, mushroom beans and acid, prepared from dried mushrooms instead of meat.15. Polish simplicity and tradition
In Greater Poland, almond soup and flaxseed are an important food item. The Christmas table also adorned with cabbage and mushrooms, spices in potato cream and pasta noodles, which are often served with the addition of a compost of dried fruit (S. Mucha 2018).16. Silesia has a taste for mining traditions
In Silesia, on Christmas Eve, a thick dessert based on a plum, dried fruit and compot is served, as well as carrots, i.e. a dish made of white bread, milk, honey and maple.17. I'm gonna need some inspiration from the sea
In northern Poland, where the proximity of the Baltic Sea affects the cuisine, fish dishes reign. On tables there are carp, eels, spinach, as well as spices in various forms in oil, cream or cashews with the addition of onions and tomatoes.18. Podhale and Beskidy, the mountain Christmas
In the mountains on Christmas tables appear simple and satiating dishes, such as cabbage with peas, mushroom soup, red bark and mosquitoes.19. It's an interesting recipe for regional Christmas dishes
Ingredients (8 servings): 200 g of wheat per cube (glass), 150 g of blue flour pasta (glasses) 100 g of honey (four teaspoons), ?? 60 g of nuts (two servings), 60 grams of walnuts (2 seeds), ‡ 60 g almonds (two seeds); 2 tablespoons of candied orange leather.20. Pie with cheese and grilled cheese
Ingredients (5 servings): 300 g of wheat flour (2 cups), 56 g of eggs (average serving), ?? 100 ml of warm water (0.4 cups) 200 g of spicy cask (glass); 150 g of semi-fatty cheese (0.75 cubes), ‡ 100 g of onion (soup), ̊ 20 g of butter (supply). Spices: salt and pepper for flavoring.21. I've got a crab on my stomach
Ingredients (8 servings): 1 litre of sour cream per grain - homemade or cups (4 cups), 1.5 litres of water or vegetable extract (6 cups) 100 g of onion (1 piece), ?? 10 g of garlic (2 tooth), ¢ 2 laurel leaves, ¢ 100 grams of dried mushrooms (10 teas) ¢ 20 ml of oil (2 teaspoons). Spices: English green, salt, pepper to taste.
