Krumplis Tészta
Krumplis tészta, or Hungarian potato pasta, is a comforting and economical dish made with potatoes, onions, and paprika, tossed with pasta. It's a staple of Hungarian home cooking, valued for its simplicity, heartiness, and affordability. The starch from the potatoes helps bind the pasta, creating a cohesive and satisfying meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Potatoes(peeled and cut into 1cm cubes)
- 250 g Dry square pasta (e.g., Lebbencs)
- 1 medium Onion(finely diced)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil or Lard
- 1.5 tbsp Hungarian sweet paprika
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 75 ml Water(or as needed)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat the oil or lard in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat briefly.
💡 Tip: Removing the pan from heat before adding paprika prevents it from burning and becoming bitter. - 2
Sprinkle the Hungarian sweet paprika over the onions and stir quickly. Immediately add the cubed potatoes, salt, and pepper. Pour in the water.
💡 Tip: Ensure the paprika is mixed in off the heat to preserve its vibrant color and flavor. - 3
Cover the pan and cook over low heat for 12-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally. If the mixture becomes too dry, add a little more water.
💡 Tip: Mash the potatoes slightly with a fork or potato masher once tender to help thicken the sauce. - 4
Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large pot of well-salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a little of the cooking water if desired.
💡 Tip: Using broad egg noodles or square pasta shapes works best for this dish. - 5
Add the drained pasta to the pan with the potato mixture. Stir well to combine, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated. If the mixture seems too dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
- 6
Serve hot, typically with pickles on the side.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use authentic Hungarian sweet paprika for the best flavor and color.
- ✓Do not burn the paprika, as it will turn bitter.
- ✓The dish is often served with pickles or a dollop of sour cream.
🔄 Variations
- Some recipes include a small amount of lard for frying the onions and potatoes, adding a traditional flavor.
- For a heartier meal, some people add cooked sausage or bacon.