Bryndzové Pirohy with a Twist

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) potatoes, peeled and boiled 500g (1.1 lb) potatoes, peeled and boiled
• 200g (7 oz) all-purpose flour 200g (7 oz) all-purpose flour
• 1 egg 1 egg
• 200g (7 oz) bryndza cheese 200g (7 oz) bryndza cheese
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 100g (3.5 oz) bacon, cooked and crumbled 100g (3.5 oz) bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 50g (1.8 oz) butter, melted 50g (1.8 oz) butter, melted

Nutrition

• Calories: 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat: 20g (12g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 55g (4g sugars)
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Mash the boiled potatoes until smooth and let them cool.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, flour, and egg. Knead the mixture until a smooth dough forms.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, mix the bryndza cheese, chopped onion, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. 4.
   Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut it into small circles.
5. 5.
   Place a spoonful of the cheese mixture in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges, forming a dumpling shape.
6. 6.
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully drop the dumplings into the boiling water and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
7. 7.
   Remove the cooked dumplings from the water using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a serving dish.
8. 8.
   In a small pan, melt the butter over medium heat until it starts to brown slightly.
9. 9.
   Drizzle the melted butter over the dumplings and sprinkle with crispy bacon.
10. 10.
    Serve the Bryndzové Pirohy warm and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bryndza cheese — If you can't find bryndza cheese, you can substitute it with feta cheese mixed with a bit of sour cream to achieve a similar tangy flavor.
• Potatoes — Make sure to use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best texture in the dough.
• Bacon — For a vegetarian version, you can omit the bacon or replace it with crispy fried onions for added crunch.

Tips & Tricks

• To prevent the dough from sticking, dust your hands and the work surface with flour while shaping the dumplings.
• If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour until it becomes manageable.
• Serve the Bryndzové Pirohy with a dollop of sour cream on the side for an extra creamy touch.
• You can freeze the uncooked dumplings for later use. Just place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freeze until firm, and then transfer them to a freezer bag.

Serving advice

Serve the Bryndzové Pirohy as a main course with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables. They can also be served as a side dish alongside roasted meats or grilled sausages.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Bryndzové Pirohy on a platter, drizzle the melted butter over them, and sprinkle with crispy bacon. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve them warm to showcase their inviting appearance.