Bryndzové Halušky

Bryndzové Halušky

Bryndzové Halušky is a traditional Slovak dish featuring tender potato dumplings generously coated with tangy sheep cheese and topped with crispy bacon. This hearty meal combines simple ingredients into a comforting, savory delight.

Pork

Prep Time

15 min

Cook Time

10 min

Servings

4

Bryndzové Halušky holds a special place in Slovak culinary heritage as a beloved national dish. Its roots trace back to rural traditions where potatoes and sheep cheese were staple ingredients, offering nourishment through cold winters. The soft, pillowy dumplings paired with the distinctive sharpness of bryndza cheese create a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. The dish captures the rustic charm of Slovak cuisine and reflects a cultural celebration of local products like bryndza, a sheep's milk cheese with a delightful tang. To elevate the experience, it is often paired with a crisp green salad or a glass of Slovak white wine, lending freshness to the rich, satisfying meal. Modern variations sometimes incorporate substitutes like feta cheese combined with sour cream to mimic bryndza's unique taste, making this treasured recipe accessible beyond its native region. Whether served as a comforting family dinner or as a highlight at festive gatherings, Bryndzové Halušky remains a delicious homage to Slovakia's culinary roots.

Ingredients

  • 500 g Potatoes
  • 200 g Plain Flour
  • 1 Egg
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 250 g Bryndza cheese
  • 200 g Bacon
  • Garnish Chives

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough Begin by finely grating the potatoes using a hand grater or a food processor until you achieve a delicate, fluffy texture. Transfer the grated potatoes into a mixing bowl and combine them thoroughly with the plain flour, egg, and salt. Stir the mixture until a sticky, slightly thick but pliable dough comes together—this is essential for creating light dumplings that hold their shape. Tip: Ensure the potatoes are well-drained to prevent excess water from thinning the dough. 2. Cook the Dumplings Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a vigorous boil, adding a pinch of salt to season the water. Using a traditional halušky maker—reminiscent of a spaetzle press—gently press the dough directly into the boiling water to form small dumplings. If you don't own this tool, simply tilt a cutting board over the pot and scrape small pieces of dough into the water using a knife, creating bite-sized morsels. Allow the dumplings to cook until they float to the surface, typically within 2 to 3 minutes; this signals they are perfectly tender. Skim them out carefully with a slotted spoon and place them in a warm bowl to retain heat. 3. Prepare the Toppings Dice the bacon into small, uniform pieces to ensure they fry evenly. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it reaches a delightful, crispy golden brown, rendering flavorful drippings. If you do not have access to traditional bryndza cheese, create a flavorful substitute by combining crumbled feta cheese with a spoonful of sour cream. This blend mimics the tangy, creamy character of bryndza and enriches the dumplings beautifully. 4. Assemble the Dish Gently toss the warm dumplings in the bryndza cheese or your feta-sour cream mixture, stirring until every piece is cloaked in a luscious, creamy coating. Spoon the crispy bacon atop this mixture, allowing the savory drippings to further infuse your dish with rich flavor. For a final flourish, sprinkle freshly chopped chives or parsley over the top, adding a burst of color and a hint of freshness. Serve immediately to enjoy the comforting textures and vibrant tastes in every bite.

Quick Info

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
10 min
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4

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