The basic version of this traditional Polish spread consists of fresh cottage cheese, yogurt, milk, and chives, while some varieties occasionally incorporate radish, onions, or hard-boiled eggs. The seasonings and the texture of gzik are easily adjusted to taste and preference, and even though it can be used as a dip or a sandwich spread, it is traditionally served alongside boiled potatoes.
Smalec is a traditional spread originating from Poland. The spread is based on rendered pork fat, onions, and spices. For centuries, it was a hearty and inexpensive meal for the working class, and over time it became a symbol of Polish hospitality.
Although there are many versions of the spread, it's usually made with a combination of pork fat, onions, diced apples, prunes, garlic, marjoram, salt, and pepper. The onions, apples, and prunes are fried in pork fat over low heat. The mixture is then enriched with minced garlic, marjoram, and seasonings.
MOST ICONIC Smalec
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Kawior z bakłażana is a Polish eggplant paste that is served as an appetizer, usually accompanied by vodka. It consists of finely chopped baked eggplants combined with fried onions, garlic cloves, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. It is usually spread on slices of bread or buckwheat pancakes, served as an appetizer or a snack, but it can also be used as an accompaniment to meat and fish dishes.
Eggplants were scarce in communist Poland, but nowadays this versatile vegetable is available in street markets across the country, typically near the end of summer. This garlicky dish is also a favorite appetizer in Russia and Ukraine, where it is called baklazhannaya ikra and kaviar z baklazhanyu, respectively.
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