Kielbasa

In Poland, kielbasa means sausage – any kind. In the U.S. it typically is a smoked sausage. It has gained popularity far beyond its ethnic roots – on backyard grills and in BBQ pits, as an alternative breakfast meat, and as the featured player in a sandwich. Unique regional kielbasa sandwiches include the Polish Boy of Cleveland, in which the sausage is covered with French fries, BBQ sauce, and cole slaw; and South-Side Chicago’s “Polish,” served in a long bun and garnished like a hot dog with mustard, onions, and sport peppers. Kielbasa frequently is the sausage used in a Lowcountry boil (along with shrimp, corn on the cob, and red potatoes).