25 European Foods You Need to Try
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Loading... - Sharon Lambert
- 28 Dec 2021
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From the crystal waters of the Mediterranean to the rustic forests of the Carpathians, wholesome and spellbinding food can be found in abundance throughout Europe, no matter what lake, mountain, village, or city you’re gracing.
With 25 mouthwatering dishes to discover, we have plenty of ground to cover. So buckle up, and get ready for a whirlwind tour of European food that will stimulate the senses and tantalize you to what to find out more.
European Food
Eastern European Food
1 – Romania – Sarmale
Nothing says Romanian cuisine quite like sarmale. A recipe that includes all macronutrients and then some, sarmale is a heartwarming dish very popular during wintertime, but also eaten all year long.
There are two main versions of sarmale: stuffed cabbage and stuffed vine leaves. Stuffed cabbage, or cabbage rolls, are the most popular, but the stuffing is the same also for the vine leaves version. They are filled with minced pork, rice, onions, tomato, and spices, and cooked for a long time. Sarmale are best served with polenta and topped with fresh sour cream.
2 – Ukraine – Borscht
Borscht is a very common dish all over Eastern Europe, not only in Ukraine. However, Ukraine is considered the home country of beetroot borscht, and every region has its own recipe.
Aside from beetroot, which is common to all recipes, borscht can be made with different types of stock and various meats, from beef and pork to poultry, lamb, or mutton. The vegetables also vary depending on the region.
In Chernihiv, borscht is made with zucchini, beans, and apples, while in Lviv, the dish is enhanced with the addition of Vienna sausages. But no matter where you go in Ukraine, you’ll certainly find borscht in abundance.
3 – Russia – Pelmeni
Pelmeni is one of the most beloved traditional dishes in Russia, and it comes in different varieties depending on the region. Pelmeni are dumplings, made with unleavened dough from flour and water, and filled with either minced meat or mushrooms.
In colder regions, it’s common to find pelmeni filled with venison, while in other regions they are filled with pork, lamb, or beef. The dumplings are served with a topping of sour cream and dill, or vinegar sauce.
Central European Food
4 – Poland – Pierogi
Quite similar in some ways to Russian pelmeni, pierogi are wholesome Polish dumplings. The dough used is similar to pelmeni, but pierogi have many different fillings.
You can have pierogi filled with potatoes, cheese, sauerkraut, mushrooms, ground meat, and more. The most popular versions are pierogi ruskie (potato and cheese), pierogi z kapustą i grzybami (with mushrooms and sauerkraut), and pierogi z mięsem (with meat).
You also have plenty of choices when it comes to toppings, from melted butter or sour cream to crispy bacon or caramelized onions.
And, for a sweet treat, you may also want to try the sweet version of pierogi, filled with sweet cheese or fruits, and topped with whipped cream or sweet sour cream.
5 – Slovakia – Bryndzové Halušky
Slovakian dumplings, despite their name, are in fact very different from other Eastern European dumplings. This traditional dish is made with small potato dumplings, similar to Italian gnocchi (halušky), and soft sheep cheese (bryndza).
The dish can be topped with smoked bacon, chives, or spring onions. You can find this traditional dish all over Slovakia. If you’re looking for true Slovak comfort food, Bryndzové halušky is a great choice.
6 – Hungary – Goulash
When in Hungary, goulash is a must-try dish. The recipe has gained popularity in many other countries, but it’s originally from Hungary and a symbol of the country.
Goulash can be made as a soup or a stew, with beef, veal, pork, or lamb. The main ingredient, aside from the meat, is paprika, which gives the dish its bright red color.
Goulash also contains potatoes, a recent addition to the original recipe, and a variety of vegetables like carrots, peppers, celery, or parsley root. Nowadays, you can find many different varieties of goulash, including vegetarian options. Read More…
