Traditional Polish Smalec (Rendered Pork Fat Spread)

Savory, creamy, and packed with flavor, this Smalec recipe is a traditional Polish spread! Made with rendered pork fat, onions, and spices, it’s perfect served with crusty bread for a comforting snack.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) pork fat or pork belly, diced
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup (100g) bacon or pork belly, diced (optional)
• 1 small apple, diced (optional)
• 1 tsp dried marjoram
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Directions

1. Render Fat: Slowly cook diced pork fat in a skillet until melted and crispy bits form. Remove crispy bits.
2. Cook Onions: Sauté chopped onions in the rendered fat until golden. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add Flavor: Mix in bacon, apple, marjoram, salt, and pepper. Cook until everything is soft and flavorful.
4. Cool and Store: Pour into a jar, let it cool, and refrigerate until solid.

Notes

Smoked bacon adds a lovely depth of flavor.

For a smoother spread, strain out the crispy bits before mixing in the onions and garlic.

Enjoy warm or cold—it’s delicious either way!

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 tbsp Calories: 100 kcal Sugar: 0g Fat: 9g Saturated Fat: 3g Carbohydrates: 1g Protein: 1g