Cabbage

• Saute cabbage in butter or oil for a healthy traditional accompaniment to pierogies; or prepare sauteed brussels sprouts, as they are close relatives of cabbage. Season with bacon or ham if you like, or caraway or juniper. You could also serve pierogi with a side of sauerkraut or even coleslaw. For a lighter option, use thinly sliced raw cabbage dressed with a vinaigrette.

Greens

• Serve sturdy greens such as sauteed kale, chard or spinach as a side dish to a plate of pierogies. Season the kale with garlic, a dash of red pepper flakes and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice. For an alternate presentation, nestle the pierogies directly atop a bed of sauteed kale.

Potatoes

• Potatoes and pierogies pair well. Serve the potatoes mashed or roasted; opt for garlic mashed potatoes for a particularly delicious accompaniment to these dumplings. Or add a side of potato salad, either mayonnaise-based or dressed with vinegar.

Apples

• Serve sauteed apple slices for for an interesting sweet counterpoint to savory dumplings, or substitute applesauce.

Mushrooms

• Round out a plate of pierogi with simple sauteed mushrooms or Russian-style marinated mushrooms, or serve a simple mushroom sauce instead.

Kielbasa

• Use pierogies as a savory side dish to a plate of Polish sausage or kielbasa, or substitute bratwurst or knockwurst as the main meaty course.

Pork Chops

• Saute pork chops and add pierogies on the side for a substantial and tradition-minded dinner. Bread the pork chops if you like or simply season with salt and pepper. Add a mustard rub or sauce for some extra zest.