Slovak Bryndzové Halušky
Bryndzové Halušky is a quintessential Slovak dish of dumplings and bryndza sheep cheese. For those unable to find bryndza, a blend of feta, cream cheese, and a bit of sour cream can offer a surprisingly similar taste.
Servings: 6
Calories: 537kcal
Equipment
- A Spaetzle or Halušky maker
Ingredients
Ingredients for Halušky:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour About 312 grams.
- 1 large egg
- 1 large potato Finely grated, water reserved. About 1 cup once grated.
- ¾ cup water 180 grams. You may need more or less, adjust as needed.
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
Ingredients for Topping:
- 1 cup bacon Diced. About 200 grams.
- 2 large onions Diced.
- 1 tablespoon oil or fat I prefer butter.
Ingredients for Traditional Bryndzové or Alternative Cheese Sauce (Pick One):
If you have access to traditional Slovak bryndza cheese, use 1 1/2 cups of it (about 150 grams). Otherwise, use the following:
- 1 cup feta Crumbled. 150 grams.
- ½ cup cream cheese 112 grams.
- 2 tablespoons sour cream Optional. Adjust as needed.
Instructions
- Prepare the Halušky Batter: Combine the flour, salt, and grated potato in a large bowl. Add the egg and start mixing. Gradually add water, stirring until a thick, sticky dough forms. Adjust with a bit more flour or water as needed.
- Cook the Halušky: Boil a large pot of salted water. Press the dough through a halušky maker or a colander with large holes into the boiling water, or use a teaspoon to form small dumplings. Once they float to the surface, cook for 2-3 more minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon, rinse under cold water, and drain well.
- Cook the Bacon & Onions: While the halušky cooks, heat butter or oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt, cooking slowly, stirring occasionally, until they are translucent. 5-8 minutes. Add the diced bacon and cook until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized and the bacon is crispy, about 15-20 minutes.
- For a traditional bryndza or alternative cheese sauce, mix your chosen cheese(s) and sour cream (if using) until smooth. Adjust the consistency with a bit of milk or water if needed.
- Toss the warm halušky in the cheese and stir until well coated. Serve with the bacon-onion topping and optional sliced green onions or chives on top.
Nutrition
Calories: 537kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 53mg | Sodium: 1075mg | Potassium: 539mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 158IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 223mg | Iron: 3mg
