Lazanki - Polish Pasta
Updated: 6 days ago
Lazanki is a traditional Polish sausage pasta dish that’s one of my childhood favourites. It’s a hearty and comforting meal with sauerkraut, mushrooms, onions, and smoked sausage that creates a unique and delicious flavour. It’s easy to prepare and a great option for a family dinner or meal prep. Trust me, once you taste this dish, it will become a favourite in your household too. Give it a try and enjoy the warm and comforting flavours of Lazanki!
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What is Lazanki?
Lazanki is a traditional Polish pasta dish made with square-shaped pasta, sauerkraut, and often served with mushrooms, onions, and smoked sausage (kielbasa). Its origins are traced back to the 16th century when it was a popular dish among the Polish gentry.
There are variations of Lazanki that vary from region to region in Poland. For example, in the east of Poland, they add fried cabbage, and in the west, they add tomato paste. Other variations may include the addition of bacon, cheese, or sour cream.
Lazanki is often served during the Christmas season and other special occasions in Poland. The dish is also popular in other Eastern European countries, such as Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia, where it may be known by a different name.
Lazanki is a delicious and hearty pasta dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion. Its popularity has lasted for centuries, and its variations show the versatility and adaptability of Polish cuisine. Pycha!
Ingredients for Lazanki
400g (14.1oz) Lazanki Pasta (You can use any other type of square pasta, cut fresh lasagne sheets or pappardelle works good as well)
350g (12.3oz) Smoked Sausage Sliced (kielbasa)
300g (10.6oz) Sauerkraut
300g (10.6oz) White Cabbage, large dice (same as size of pasta)
200g (7.05oz) Champignon mushrooms, half sliced, half diced
2 Onions, medium size, small dice
Black Pepper
Salt
5 tbsp Vegetable Oil
How to prepare Lazanki
1. To begin, place sauerkraut, bay leaves, and allspice in a medium pot and add enough water to cover the contents. You may also use water from the jar. Cook for 20 minutes, then drain the sauerkraut and set it aside to cool.
2. In a large frying pan, preheat vegetable oil over high heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned, approximately 5 minutes. Transfer the sausage to a plate, but keep the oil in the pan.
3. Reduce heat to medium and add diced onions. Fry until translucent, around 5 minutes, then add mushrooms and increase the heat. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Next, add diced cabbage and continue cooking for another 10 minutes, then reduce the heat to medium.
5. Once the sauerkraut has cooled, chop it up and add it to the pan. Add fried sausage and combine all ingredients.
6. Cook pasta until al dente, then add it to the pan and combine. Season with salt and black pepper to your liking. Enjoy!
Tips for cooking Lazanki
You can use any type of pasta you like, but square-shaped pasta works best for this dish.
You can add wild mushrooms like porcini or boletus.
Make sure to drain the sauerkraut well after cooking it to prevent the dish from becoming too watery.
You can use any type of smoked sausage, such as kielbasa, for this recipe. If you prefer, you can also use another type of sausage or omit it altogether for a vegetarian version.
Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the vegetables, as this can cause them to become soggy instead of getting nicely caramelized.
You can adjust the amount of oil you use in the recipe to your liking. You can also substitute the vegetable oil with another type of oil, such as olive oil.
This dish can be served hot or cold, so it’s a great option for leftovers or meal prep.
You can top the dish with or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill for added flavour and texture.
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Check out my other Polish recipes:
Polish Żurek - a traditional Polish soup and truly one of my favourites on the Easter holiday table. Prepared with fermented rye starter.
Polish Apple Pancakes - A super simple recipe for delicious "Racuchy", prepare in no time, perfect for breakfast!
Bigos Królewski - Polish Hunter's Stew is a classic you must try!
