Crispy Bacon Vanjkuši

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 2g
• Protein: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the eggs and milk. Mix until a smooth dough forms.
2. 2.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, until it becomes elastic and smooth. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove from the skillet and let it cool. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
4. 4.
   In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion until translucent. Add the crumbled bacon, parsley, thyme, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let it cool.
5. 5.
   Roll out the dough on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut out circles using a round cookie cutter or a glass.
6. 6.
   Place a spoonful of the bacon filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges to seal.
7. 7.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to a temperature of 350°F (180°C). Fry the Vanjkuši in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
8. 8.
   Serve the Crispy Bacon Vanjkuši hot, as an appetizer or a main course. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a side of sour cream or a tangy tomato sauce.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bacon — Make sure to cook the bacon until crispy before crumbling it into the filling. This will add a delightful crunch to the Vanjkuši.
• Onion — Finely chop the onion to ensure it cooks evenly and blends well with the other ingredients.
• Dough — Knead the dough until it becomes elastic and smooth. This will result in a lighter and fluffier texture for the Vanjkuši.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smokier flavor, you can use smoked bacon instead of regular bacon.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the bacon with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
• Serve the Crispy Bacon Vanjkuši with a dollop of sour cream or a tangy tomato sauce for added flavor.
• Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the Vanjkuši to ensure they become crispy and golden brown.
• Leftover Vanjkuši can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.

Serving advice

Serve the Crispy Bacon Vanjkuši as an appetizer at a dinner party or as a main course accompanied by a fresh salad. They are best enjoyed hot and crispy, straight from the frying pan.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Crispy Bacon Vanjkuši on a platter, garnished with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color. Serve them alongside a dipping sauce or condiment to enhance the presentation and provide additional flavor options.