Kishka

Kishka, also known as kishke, is a type of sausage or stuffed intestine that is quite popular in Eastern Europe and among immigrant communities. It holds a special place in Ashkenazi Jewish cuisine, where it is prepared in accordance with kosher dietary laws. The term "kishke" derives from Slavic languages, meaning "gut" or "intestine."

There are various kinds of kishka. For example, kaszanka is a type of blood sausage made with pig's blood and grains. Kishkas made with organ meats and assorted grain stuffings can be found, and there are even vegetarian versions available nowadays.

In Jewish cuisine, kishke, sometimes referred to as stuffed derma, is typically made with flour or matzo meal, schmaltz (chicken fat), and spices. It is often added to cholent, a traditional Ashkenazi stew. Nowadays, some people opt for synthetic casings instead of beef intestine. Kishke can be purchased at kosher butcher shops and delicatessens, with variations such as rice-filled or liver and gizzard-stuffed kishke. It is typically cooked overnight with cholent, but can also be cooked separately in salted water or baked.

Interestingly, there is even a polka tune called "Who Stole the Kishka?" from the 1950s, composed by Walter Solek. Various bands, including Frankie Yankovic's, have popularized it. The song mentions other delectable Polish foods like szynka (ham), krusczyki (fried dough), pierogi (dumplings), and kielbasa (sausage).