Sztrapacska, also known as Hungarian Halušky, is a traditional Eastern European dish made from potato dumplings (noodles), often served with bacon, sour cream, and cheese. It’s rich, comforting, and incredibly delicious, making it a favorite dish in Hungary and Slovakia.
This recipe is simple to make and uses basic ingredients, yet delivers an authentic, hearty meal perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love Sztrapacska
✔️ Authentic Hungarian-Slovak Dish – A taste of tradition! ✔️ Hearty & Filling – Perfect for cold weather comfort food. ✔️ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps. ✔️ Versatile – Can be made vegetarian or customized with different toppings.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Halušky (Potato Dumplings):
2 large potatoes, peeled and grated
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or more as needed)
1 large egg
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
For the Toppings:
6 oz (170g) bacon, diced
1 cup sour cream
½ cup crumbled sheep’s cheese (Bryndza or feta)
2 tbsp butter (optional, for extra richness)
Chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Halušky Dough
Grate the potatoes using a fine grater.
In a bowl, mix the grated potatoes with flour, egg, salt, and black pepper. Stir until you get a sticky, thick batter. (If it’s too thin, add a bit more flour.)
2. Cook the Dumplings
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Using a spoon or a Halušky dumpling maker, drop small portions of dough into the boiling water. (You can also use a colander with large holes.)
Stir gently to prevent sticking. Once the dumplings float to the surface, let them cook for another 3-4 minutes, then remove with a slotted spoon and drain.
3. Cook the Bacon
In a large pan, fry the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.
If using butter, melt it in the same pan for extra flavor.
4. Assemble the Dish
Toss the cooked dumplings in the pan with bacon grease for extra flavor.
Stir in sour cream and crumbled cheese. Mix until creamy and well combined.
Sprinkle with crispy bacon and fresh herbs for garnish.
5. Serve & Enjoy!
Serve warm with extra sour cream on the side. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated if needed.
