A hearty Slovak comfort dish made with tender potato dumplings, tangy sauerkraut, and crispy bacon — bursting with rustic flavor.
Ingredients
✅ For the dumplings:
- 4 medium potatoes (grated)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg (optional, for firmer dough)
- Salt to taste
✅ For the topping:
- 2 cups sauerkraut (drained)
- 200 g smoked bacon or pork belly, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- Caraway seeds (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the dumpling dough: Grate the potatoes finely and squeeze out excess moisture. Mix the potatoes with flour, egg (optional), and salt until you have a thick, sticky dough.
- Cook the dumplings: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Drop small portions of dough into the water using a spoon or halušky maker. Boil until the dumplings float to the surface — about 3-5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the topping: In a pan, fry the diced bacon until crispy. Add the chopped onion and cook until golden. Stir in the sauerkraut, season with salt, pepper, and caraway seeds (optional), and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Combine: Toss the dumplings with the sauerkraut mixture, letting the flavors meld together. Top with extra crispy bacon bits for a final savory crunch. 😋
Notes
⭐ Why You Should Try Halušky s Kyslou Kapustou
✔️ Bold flavors: The tangy sauerkraut perfectly complements the soft, starchy dumplings and smoky bacon. ✔️ Comfort food at its finest: Hearty, warming, and satisfying — especially during the colder months. ❄️ ✔️ A taste of Slovak tradition: This dish is packed with history and culinary heritage. ✔️ Surprisingly easy to make: With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, anyone can recreate this dish at home. If you’re a fan of comforting, rustic flavors and love exploring traditional European dishes, then Halušky s Kyslou Kapustou — also known as Strapačky — is a must-try! This hearty Slovak dish combines tender homemade potato dumplings, tangy sauerkraut, and crispy bacon or smoked pork for a rich, satisfying meal bursting with flavor. 🥔🥓
🥘 What is Halušky s Kyslou Kapustou?
Halušky s Kyslou Kapustou translates to “potato dumplings with sauerkraut.” It’s a variation of Slovakia’s famous bryndzové halušky (potato dumplings with sheep cheese), but instead of cheese, the dumplings are tossed with fermented sauerkraut and topped with smoky, crispy bacon or cured pork. The alternative name Strapačky comes from the Slovak word meaning “shaggy” or “messy,” referring to how the sauerkraut strands tangle around the dumplings — resembling a playful, “tousled hair” look. This whimsical nickname reflects the rustic, no-fuss charm of the dish. 💛 More Slovak recipes