Slovak Bryndzové Halušky

[jannababe]

I recently made Slovak Bryndzové Halušky, and it was a truly delightful culinary experience! This traditional dish consists of soft potato dumplings topped with a creamy sheep cheese sauce, often garnished with crispy bacon or fried onions. It's a comfort food classic in Slovakia, perfect for cozy dinners. Here’s how you can prepare this delicious dish at home:

Ingredients:​

• For the Dumplings:
  • 2 large potatoes, peeled and grated
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
  • 1 egg
  • Salt, to taste
• For the Cheese Sauce:
  • 1 cup bryndza (Slovak sheep cheese; if unavailable, substitute with feta cheese)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
• For Garnish:
  • 4-6 strips of bacon, chopped (or use fried onions for a vegetarian option)
  • Fresh chives or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:​

1. Make the Dumplings:​

• In a large bowl, mix the grated potatoes with salt, and let them sit for about 10 minutes. This will help draw out excess moisture.
• After 10 minutes, drain off any excess liquid. Add the flour and egg to the potatoes, mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.

2. Cook the Dumplings:​

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Using a spoon or a small ice cream scoop, drop small portions of the dough into the boiling water. Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• The dumplings are ready when they float to the surface, usually in about 3-5 minutes. Remove them with a slotted spoon and set them aside.

3. Prepare the Cheese Sauce:​

• In a small bowl, mix the bryndza (or feta) with sour cream until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Cook the Bacon (Optional):​

• In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove from heat and let drain on paper towels.

5. Serve:​

• To serve, place a generous amount of dumplings on a plate, drizzle with the cheese sauce, and sprinkle with crispy bacon or fried onions. Garnish with fresh herbs like chives or parsley.

Conclusion​

Slovak Bryndzové Halušky is a comforting and hearty dish that showcases the wonderful flavors of Slovakia. The combination of soft dumplings and creamy cheese sauce creates a delightful taste experience that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this traditional recipe and indulge in the warmth of Slovak comfort food!