A classic, beet-based Ukrainian borscht recipe using venison. It’s rich in flavor, but not sweet at all.
Eastern European Recipes
Eastern European recipes are nearly as varied as those of Western Europe, but the area's predominantly Slavic background ties the region together, at least somewhat.
What follows is a collection Eastern European recipes featuring fish, game, edible wild plants and mushrooms. Many are from Poland, although lots of other countries are represented.
Mushrooms are a huge deal in this part of the world, so you'll see recipes like my Polish fermented mushrooms, as well as mushroom pierogi, which are popular all over the region.
I have a few classics, too, like Ukrainian borscht and Hungarian pörkölt, which is like a thick gulyás (goulash).
The Latest
Polish Bigos Stew
A classic Polish hunter’s stew using whatever meats you have handy, from wild game to chicken and pork.
Venison Pierogis
How to make meat-filled pierogis the Polish way. Not an empanada and not a potsticker, it’s Eastern Europe’s gift to dumplings.
Polish Venison Pot Roast
Old school venison pot roast, Eastern European style. Great with venison neck or shoulder.
Pelmeni and the Eating of Bears
It’s spring bear season in many parts of the world. I can think of no better recipe for bear than these pelmeni. No bear? Use any meat.
Wild Mushroom Pierogi
Who doesn’t love pierogi? I mean really. Little pockets of goodness, boiled briefly then fried and served with caramelized onions, sour cream and dill? Heaven on a plate. I made these with wild mushrooms, but any mushroom will do.
Smoked Sturgeon
It’s sturgeon time here in the West, and whether you catch your own or buy farm-raised fish, smoked sturgeon is one of the great smoked fish of the world. Here’s how I make it.
Homemade Polish Kielbasa
Few sausages are as iconic as Polish kielbasa. There are as many variations as there are cooks — even an official government-approved recipe, which I used as my inspiration. This one is pure smoky awesomeness.