I visited the Polish Deli yesterday to pick up some kishka (blood sausage), but I also came away with duck pâté and a jar labeled “Smalec po Goralsku,” translated as bacon pâté. I’m always keen to try new foods, and this caught my eye.
Smalec po Goralsku – Polish bacon pâté
Smalec literally means lard, and this particular spread is a creamy lard blended with large chunks of cooked pork. At first glance it might put some people off, but the texture is rich and buttery, and the pork pieces give it a smoky, meaty bite. I found it worked beautifully spread thickly on a crusty brown baguette, the contrast of crunchy bread and velvety fat making each mouthful satisfying.
Bacon pâté spread on bread
I paired the spread with an IPA, which helped cut through the richness and balanced the salt and smokiness. Overall it was an unexpected but very enjoyable treat—simple, hearty, and full of flavor. If you come across Smalec po Goralsku, it’s worth trying on fresh bread as a savory snack or light lunch.