
Bryndzové halušky
Slovakia
Place of Origin:
Brimsen
Also Known as:
Bryndzové halušky, a beloved national dish in Slovakia, combines halušky (potato dough lumps resembling gnocchi) with bryndza (soft sheep cheese). It can be enhanced with cooked bits of smoked pork fat or bacon and garnished with chives or spring onions, creating a flavorful and comforting meal deeply rooted in Slovakian cuisine.
Description
Ingredients
Medium potatoes
Flour
Salt
Smoked or regular bacon (block)
Vegetable oil
Bryndza or other soft cheese like feta
goat
or cottage
Cream
Recipe
Step 1: Brynza cheese is preferred for an authentic flavor, but you can use soft cheeses like feta, cottage cheese, or goat cheese as alternatives.
Step 2: Grate the potatoes and place them in a bowl.
Step 3: Mix flour and salt with the potatoes until you achieve a thick, sticky dough.
Step 4: Ensure the dough easily sticks to your spatula or spoon. If not, add a few more tablespoons of flour until the desired consistency is reached.
Step 5: Chop bacon into small cubes and fry in 1/2 tablespoon oil on low heat until crisp and brown. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil and add salt.
Step 6: Test a small spoonful of the halusky mix in the boiling water. It should cook into a soft dumpling in 3-4 minutes. Adjust consistency by adding more flour if needed.
Step 7: Traditionally, put the batter on a cutting board and cut small dumplings (about 1 x 2 cm) directly into the boiling water. Alternatively, use a special halusky sieve or press.
Step 8: Drip several halusky dumplings into the boiling water. Stir quickly as they will sink to the bottom.
Step 9: Cook halusky until they float to the top and change color. Strain out with a slotted spoon or hand strainer, placing them into a colander to drain. Repeat the boiling process until all the batter is cooked.
Step 10: Once all halusky are cooked, let them drain for 2-3 minutes.
Step 11: Transfer to a large bowl and mix with the cheese until evenly coated. For extra creaminess, mix in some whipping or heavy cream.