Okay, so today I’m gonna talk about what I cooked up to go with perogies. Perogies, if you don’t know, are these little dumpling things, usually stuffed with mashed potatoes and other goodies like fried onions, sauerkraut, you name it. They’re an Eastern European thing, and man, are they tasty!
Now, when I make perogies, I like to have something on the side, you know, to make it a full meal. Perogies can be a bit heavy on their own, so a good side dish is key. I found out the hard way that not just any side dish will do. It’s gotta complement the perogies, not clash with them.
Experimenting with Sides
First off, I tried making chicken cabbage rolls. Yeah, sounds a bit out there, but I thought, “Why not?” I cooked up some chicken, mixed it with rice, and wrapped it all up in cabbage leaves. It was okay, but it just didn’t feel right with the perogies. Too much going on, I guess.
Then I remembered what the pros usually do. Traditionally, perogies are served pretty simple. Think fried onions, some lardons, melted butter, sour cream, or even pork rinds. I gave the fried onions a shot, and it was a game-changer! The onions added a nice crunch and a bit of sweetness that went really well with the savory perogies.
- Fried Onions: I just sliced up some onions and fried them in a pan until they were golden brown and crispy. So simple, yet so good.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream on top of the perogies was another classic move. The cool and tangy sour cream balanced out the richness of the perogies.
But I didn’t stop there. I learned that some folks like sweet pierogi, especially in the summer. I can say I do! These are usually filled with fruit, and they’re more like a dessert than a main course. I didn’t make these this time, but I’m definitely trying them next summer!
Wrapping it Up
So, after all that cooking and tasting, I realized that sometimes, simple is best. The fried onions and sour cream were the perfect companions for my perogies. They didn’t overpower the main dish but added just the right amount of flavor and texture. I guess that’s why they’re the classic choices!
Next time you’re having perogies, give these sides a try. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed. And hey, if you’re feeling adventurous, try something new! You never know what tasty combinations you might discover. Just remember, the right side dish can take your perogi game to the next level!
