Bryndza Dumplings (Slovak Potato Dumplings with Cheese)

 

Here is a recipe for Bryndzové halušky, traditional Slovak potato dumplings with bryndza and bacon.

Ingredients

(Serves 4):

For the dumplings (halušky):

·         4 medium potatoes

·         1 ½ cups (200 gram) all-purpose flour

·         1 egg (optional, for firmer dumplings)

·         1 tsp salt

For the topping:

·         7 ounces (200 gram) bryndza (Slovak sheep's cheese)

·         ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream (optional, for a creamier sauce)

·         5 oz (150 gram) smoked bacon, diced

·         Fresh chives or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions:

Prepare the dumpling dough:

Peel and finely grate the potatoes.

Squeeze out excess water and mix with the flour, salt, and egg (if using).

The dough should be thick but slightly sticky.

Cook the dumplings:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Use dumplings or ladle small portions of the dough into the boiling water.

Stir occasionally and cook until the dumplings float to the surface (about 3–5 minutes).

Drain and set aside.

Prepare the topping:

In a frying pan, fry the diced bacon until crispy.

In a bowl, mix the bryndza cheese with the sour cream until smooth.

Assemble the bowl:

Toss the hot dumplings with the bryndza cheese mixture until evenly coated.

Top with the crispy bacon and drippings.

Garnish with chives or parsley, if desired.

Serving suggestion:

Serve hot with a glass of Slovak žinčica or cold beer.

Enjoy authentic Bryndzové halušky!