A slow-roasted Bavarian-style pork shank, bratwurst seasoned with marjoram and nutmeg, pierogi filled with smoked kielbasa and sauerkraut, and Zbójnik cheese smoked over alder wood – these are the fall favorites Piast Meats & Provisions, a family business in Garfield, New Jersey, makes or imports for the Polish table.
Piast has been making its own pierogi, kielbasa and cold cuts since 1991. The company was founded by Henry and Maria Rybak, immigrants from southern Poland, and many of its recipes come from the kitchen of Mrs. Rybak’s mother. Today Piast runs two stores in Garfield. Here is what to pick from the fall lineup and how to serve it at home.
Piast specials: every product in this article is currently on sale at Piast – prices are listed with the photos. Check availability and current prices in store or at piast.com.
How do you reheat a Bavarian-style pork shank?
The Bavarian Style Pork Shank is a thick cut of meat and bone from the upper ham leg. Piast marinates it in its signature brine, coats it with beer and spices, and slow-roasts it. Each shank weighs about 3 pounds and comes fully roasted, so all it needs at home is reheating.
Piast’s reheating instructions:
- Remove the shank from the packaging and set it on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
- Pour 1 cup of water onto the baking sheet.
- Wrap the baking sheet and the whole shank in aluminum foil.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
- Top with caramelized onions – they are not included, but Piast sells ready-made Sautéed Onion Cubes separately, or you can make your own.
Bratwurst vs. Polish kielbasa: what’s the difference?
Piast’s bratwurst is a German-style pork sausage. Instead of being smoked, it is kettle-cooked and seasoned with marjoram, nutmeg and ginger, then finished with a signature paprika spice rub.
That sets it apart from Piast’s smoked Polish kielbasa. Bratwurst works on the grill or baked in the oven. The links are about 6 inches long, in natural casing, four to a package – an easy main course for a cool fall evening.
Kielbasa and sauerkraut pierogi: just heat and serve
The Kielbasa & Sauerkraut Pierogi are for anyone who likes a bold filling. The dough is made with flour imported from Poland. Inside: Piast’s homemade smoked kielbasa, aged barrel sauerkraut, caramelized onions, sautéed garlic and spices.
The pierogi come pre-cooked – just heat and serve, for a quick weeknight dinner or a family get-together. Each package is 16 ounces.
Zbójnik cheese and bologna for a Polish charcuterie board
Zbójnik cheese is a new import from Poland. It is slow-smoked over natural alder wood, which gives it a dark-brown rind, while the inside stays soft and delicate. It is all natural, with no preservatives.
Piast suggests serving it the traditional Polish way: on a board with cold cuts, pickles and rye bread. It is a simple idea for a fall evening with friends.
For sandwiches, Piast recommends its bologna, made from fine-ground pork and flavored with white pepper and nutmeg. It has no fillers, artificial flavors or colors. The bologna is stuffed into a traditional round casing and steam-cooked.
How to put together a Polish fall dinner
These few products are enough for a full dinner for family or guests. Plan it in three steps:
- To start – a board with Zbójnik cheese, cold cuts, pickles and rye bread.
- The main course – the pork shank topped with caramelized onions, or bratwurst straight from the grill or oven.
- Something for everyone – a plate of kielbasa and sauerkraut pierogi – just heat and serve.
The shank needs half an hour in the oven, which is just enough time to set up the board. That way the host is not stuck in the kitchen all afternoon.
Where to buy Piast’s Polish food in New Jersey and beyond
Piast has two stores in Garfield, at 800 River Dr. and 1 Passaic St. Both serve homemade hot meals for takeout, made fresh every day in generous portions. Store hours are Monday to Friday 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
If you live farther away, you can order online at piast.com. Piast ships across the United States, with products vacuum-packed in an insulated cooler with gel packs.
The flagship store at 1 Passaic St. is housed in a building known as The Castle; the floors above it are home to Piast Castle, a riverfront banquet venue with two rooms for up to 80 guests each, each with a full bar.
Learn more: Piast Meats & Provisions in the Polish Pages directory.
Products mentioned on piast.com
Piast Meats & Provisions, Inc.
800 River Dr., Garfield, NJ 07026
1 Passaic St., Garfield, NJ 07026
Phone: (888) PIAST-US
Email: [email protected]
www.piast.com
