How to prepare bryndzové halušky

Bryndzové halušky are a traditional Slovak dish made with boiled potato dumplings and topped with a creamy sheep cheese sauce. They are a beloved staple in Slovakia and are often enjoyed as a comfort food or at special occasions such as weddings and holidays. Here’s how to prepare this tasty and hearty dish at home:

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds of potatoes
  • 1 cup of all-purpose flour
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 cup of bryndza cheese (sheep cheese)
  • 2 tablespoons of butter
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup of milk
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Peel and dice the potatoes into small cubes, then place them in a pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook the potatoes until they are tender and easily mashed, about 15-20 minutes.
  2. While the potatoes are cooking, make the dumpling dough. In a large bowl, mash the cooked potatoes until they are smooth and no lumps remain. Add the flour, egg, and salt, and mix well to combine. The dough should be soft and pliable, but not too sticky. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour until it reaches the desired consistency.
  3. Take small handfuls of the dough and roll them into balls about the size of a golf ball. Drop the dumplings into the boiling water and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Remove the dumplings from the water with a slotted spoon and set aside.
  4. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent. Stir in the flour and cook for an additional minute or two, until the mixture becomes fragrant.
  5. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. Stir in the bryndza cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. To serve, place the dumplings on a plate and top with the creamy cheese sauce. Garnish with chopped herbs or diced bacon if desired, and enjoy hot.

 

Bryndzové halušky are a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a comforting meal on a cold day. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of cooking time, you can enjoy this traditional Slovak dish at home.