Zrazy

Zrazy is a cherished meat roulade dish originating from Eastern Europe, particularly popular in countries such as Poland, Belarus, Ukraine, and Lithuania. Its origins date back to the era of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, making it a dish rich in both history and flavor.

The concept of zrazy is straightforward: thin slices of beef are seasoned with salt and pepper, then stuffed with a delightful mixture of ingredients. Common fillings include vegetables, mushrooms, eggs, and potatoes, though versions with pickles and bacon also exist.

To prepare zrazy, the stuffed beef slices are rolled up and secured with thread or toothpicks. These rolls are quickly fried in oil to achieve a nice sear, then transferred to a casserole dish along with celery, onions, and spices. Hot stock is poured over the rolls, and the dish is left to simmer slowly on low heat. Once cooked, the threads or toothpicks are removed. Some cooks prefer to dust the rolls with flour or add a dollop of sour cream before serving.

Zrazy is typically served with the rich stewing sauce and often garnished with crumbled kasha, a type of porridge usually made from buckwheat or barley.

While beef is the traditional choice for zrazy, delicious variations made with veal or pork are also popular. The exact origins of zrazy are somewhat unclear, with both Poland and Lithuania claiming its inception. Regardless of its beginnings, zrazy has spread throughout Eastern Europe, with unique interpretations of the dish found in Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine.