Cottage cheese and needles is a traditional Polish dish that is both simple and incredibly tasty, and can be enjoyed at any time of day.
Did I ever mention that I have Polish ancestry? My mom is Polish, and I got to spend a few Summers there as a kid. My last trip to Gdańsk was years ago, but I still use the simple yet insanely tasty dish I picked up there.
Often referred to as “lazy guy pierogies” in English, this dish is better known in its native tongue as noodles with cottage cheese. In Poland, however, it was known as Kluski Z Serem. If you’re looking for a recipe for a dish that will make you feel at ease, look no further. Because of its adaptability and ease of preparation, you can come up with a seemingly infinite number of unique varieties.
Polich is a Russian dish consisting of egg noodles and cottage cheese, which tastes quite similar to mac & cheese. There’s a good reason why Kluski Z Serem is, to Polish kids, what mac n’ cheese is to American kids. The sweetness of the dessert version of this recipe makes it ideal for children. This Polish specialty is ideal for those times when you’re in a rush or too exhausted to cook, but the kids just won’t let you rest.
This dish is delicious enough to stand on its own as a main course, but it would also be a nice addition to any other dinner. There’s no wrong way to put it! As a result of the cheese, Kluski Z Serem is a hearty dish that won’t leave you hungry. Quite simple to prepare, even Polish children can do it on their own.
When I’m feeling sentimental and long for my time in Poland, I make this dish. Yet you can still go and experience some of Poland.
Traditionally served throughout the winter months, Polish Noodles (or “Kluski z serem”) are a hearty and comforting Polish meal. Egg noodles, cottage cheese, and a savory sauce are the basic ingredients. Modern cooks use store-bought egg noodles and cottage cheese for the homemade noodle and farmer’s cheese of the original recipe.
Polish Noodles can be made with egg noodles, unsalted butter, cottage cheese, sour cream, fresh dill, salt, and pepper. Noodles are prepared by cooking them in salted water until they reach the desired tenderness, then draining and setting them aside. Cottage cheese, butter, and sour cream are heated in a skillet, then tossed with cooked noodles. Garnish with fresh dill and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Whether as a main course or a side dish to roasted meats or vegetables, Polish Noodles are a versatile recipe. Refrigerated leftovers in an airtight container will keep for up to three days; simply nuke them to reheat. Although egg noodles are the standard, different varieties of pasta can be utilized.
Onions, garlic, and mushrooms are common toppings with Polish Noodles. Other common Polish foods include bigos, cabbage rolls stuffed with meat and grains, and the dumplings known as pierogi (a hearty stew made with sauerkraut, meat, and vegetables).
Ingredients for Polish Noodles
To make Polish Noodles, you’ll need the following ingredients:
½ cup butter
(1 small onion, diced)
Noodles, egg, 16 oz.
16 ounces cottage cheese
1/2 cup of sour cream
½ teaspoon sea salt
a pinch of ground black pepper
Steps to Make Polish Noodles
Step 1:
Put the butter in a pot and cook it until it melts. After the onion is tender, about 7 minutes, cook it in the melted butter while stirring occasionally.
Step 2:
Get some big pot of water boiling and season it with a little salt. To prepare egg noodles, bring a large pot of water to a boil and add them. Boil for about 5 minutes, stirring regularly, until they are tender but still have some bite. The noodles should be drained and re-added to the saucepan.
Step 3:
Mix the butter, onion, cottage cheese, sour cream, salt, pepper, and black pepper into the noodles. Heat the pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 8 minutes, until hot. Put away for about 5 minutes to cool down and then serve.
Tips for Serving and Storing Polish Noodles
Whether as a main course or a side dish to roasted meats or vegetables, Polish Noodles are a versatile recipe. Refrigerating leftovers in an airtight container extends their shelf life to three days. The noodles can be reheated in a microwave by placing them in a microwave-safe dish and heating them for a few minutes.
FAQs About Polish Noodles
Can I substitute another kind of pasta for the egg noodles in this dish?
Polish Noodles are typically made with egg noodles, but you can use any sort of pasta you like. Keep in mind that the flavor and consistency could change slightly.
Does anyone know if fat-free versions of sour cream or cottage cheese would work in this?
Cottage cheese and sour cream with reduced fat content can be substituted in this recipe, but you can expect some flavor and texture changes.
Polish Noodles: Safe for the Freezer?
Polish Noodles are best when eaten fresh, but they will keep in the freezer for up to two months. Noodles can be frozen by putting them in a freezer bag or other airtight container. The noodles should be thawed in the fridge overnight before being reheated in a microwave.
Polish Noodles are a blank canvas; what else can I put in them?
Polish noodles are often made with just a few basic components, but you can customize the dish as you prefer. Sautéed onions, garlic, and mushrooms are common ingredients.
Do you know of any more popular Polish dishes?
Pierogi (dumplings) are one type of traditional Polish food, but golabki (cabbage rolls) and bigos (stuffed cabbage) are two more (a hearty stew made with sauerkraut, meat, and vegetables).