National Pierogi Day is a holiday that falls on October 8th every year and is dedicated to a type of dumpling that’s enjoyed worldwide. The common pierogi takes many different forms and can be made with a wide variety of different fillings.

All of them are dumplings made out of unleavened dough, boiled, and then either baked or fried. No matter how they’re served, however, there is only one thing to say about them: They are very delicious. Now, let’s learn a bit more about this holiday, shall we?

The History of the Pierogi

Although the origins of National Pierogi Day are lost to the winds of time, we do know quite a bit about how pierogies came to be invented. Or, at least we think we do. Many details surrounding the origin of pierogies are shrouded in controversy, so it’s fair to say that we only have myths to go on when we talk about where these little dumplings may have come from.

The most popular origin story for pierogies is that they were brought to Italy from Marco Polo’s expeditions in China and eventually made their way to Poland. Other stories contend that St. Hyacinth of Poland brought them back from the city of Kyiv.

In some of these legends, people made pierogi from the crops that St. Hyacinth had resurrected after a storm had destroyed the town of Kosciusko’s crops. In other legends, the saint was able to feed everyone with pierogi during a famine caused by the invasion of the Tatars.

What Ingredients Are Used for Pierogi?

Regardless of how pierogi actually came into existence, most made in the world consist of an unleavened dough that’s been boiled, filled with various toppings, and then baked or fried. Some pierogi are made to be savory, and some are made to be sweet, depending on who’s making them and for what meal.

Some of the ingredients that may be stuffed into a savory pierogi include mashed potatoes, farmer’s cheese, spinach, various meats, sauerkraut, cabbage, or fried onions. Sweet pierogi can be stuffed with raspberries, strawberries, prunes, plums, apples, blueberries, or various jams.

Some Great Pierogi Combinations:

• Mushroom Pierogi
• Potato & Cheddar Cheese
• Cabbage
• Sauerkraut
• Ground Beef
• Chicken
• Mac & Cheese Pierogi

Celebrating National Pierogi Day

Celebrating this holiday is as easy as eating a pierogi. All you have to do is buy your favorite pierogi and have some of your friends and family over to eat them. This holiday is also a good time to make your own pierogi, and you can spend your day making both savory and sweet varieties. After all, making pierogi is quick and simple, and just about anyone can make them.