Bryndzove Pirohy (Slovak Dumplings with Cheese)
Ingredients: 500 g raw peeled potatoes, approx. 250 g white flour, 1 egg, salt, 150 g Slovak cheese*, 250 g bacon, 1 tablespoon of oil**
Boil the potatoes in salted water or steam them, according to preference, until they become soft. Once they are boiled, drain them well and let them cool completely. After they have cooled, use a grater to grate them. This will help achieve a fine texture, essential for the dough we want to prepare. Add the beaten egg, salt to taste, and 150 grams of flour. Mix the ingredients well, then start kneading. Depending on the moisture of the potatoes and the type of flour used, you may need to add more flour. The goal is to obtain a dough that is elastic but not too hard and does not stick to your hands.
Once the dough is well kneaded, roll it out into a sheet about 3-5 mm thick. It is important that the sheet is even to ensure even cooking of the dumplings. Use a glass or a cup to cut circles from the dough. On each circle, place about half a teaspoon of crumbled cheese. Try to use cheese with a good flavor, as it will add taste to the dish. After you have filled each circle, carefully close them by pinching the edges to prevent the filling from leaking during boiling.
In a large pot, bring water to a boil with a little salt. When the water starts to boil, add the cheese dumplings, being careful not to overcrowd them. Use a spoon to gently turn them so they don’t stick to the bottom of the pot. The dumplings are ready when they rise to the surface. As an extra precaution, count to 20 before removing them. This trick will ensure they are fully cooked.
To complete the dish, in a pan, fry the diced or thinly sliced bacon. If you have a larger piece of bacon, cut it into cubes to achieve a crispy and tasty texture. Use a little oil, especially if the bacon is not very fatty. Alternatively, you can make cracklings from the piece of fat or from smoked bacon, as recommended in the original recipe. Once the bacon is fried and crispy, remove the dumplings with a slotted spoon and place them on a platter. Pour the fried bacon and its delicious fat over them. Gently mix to combine the flavors, and for an extra touch of enjoyment, serve the dish with or without sour cream. This will add a creamy note and perfectly complement the delicious dumplings. Bon appétit!
