A classic Polish side dish, mizeria is a refreshing cucumber salad made with sour cream. Learn how to make this simple yet delicious recipe and explore its many variations.
Mizeria is one of the most popular and beloved side dishes in Polish cuisine. This simple, refreshing cucumber delight has graced tables across the country for years, especially as a side to mashed potatoes and cutlets. Traditional mizeria is a combination of thinly sliced cucumbers with sour cream, salt, and pepper. Although the basic recipe is simple, different regions of Poland and personal preferences bring various modifications to mizeria. Some people add vinegar or lemon juice for a more tangy flavor, while others make it sweet or use yogurt instead of sour cream. In some households, versions with dill, chives, or even onions appear.
Simple recipe for classic mizeria:
- 2 fresh cucumbers
- 200 g sour cream (can be replaced with natural yogurt)
- salt and pepper to taste
- optional: a pinch of sugar, dill
Wash the cucumbers thoroughly, peel them, and slice them thinly. Then, salt them and let them sit for 10 minutes to release excess water. Squeeze out the liquid, add the sour cream, pepper, sugar (if you like), and optionally, some chopped dill. Mix everything together and serve chilled.
Mizeria comes in many variations, but no matter which one you choose, it’s a dish that delights with its taste and simplicity.