Slovak Potato and Sauerkraut Dumplings
strapačky s kyslou kapustou
A rustic and satisfying dish of small, irregular potato dumplings (strapačky) mixed with tangy sauerkraut and often flavored with bacon or smoked meat. It's a quintessential comfort food in Slovak cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Cooked potatoes(mashed or riced)
- 200-250 g All-purpose flour(adjust as needed for dough consistency)
- 500 g Sauerkraut(drained and roughly chopped)
- 150 g Smoked bacon or pork belly(diced)
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Butter(for sautéing (optional))
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the dumpling dough: In a bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with about 200g of flour. Mix until a firm but pliable dough forms. Add more flour if necessary, but avoid making it too stiff. Season with a pinch of salt.
- 2
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Using two spoons or your hands, form small, irregular pieces of dough (strapačky) and drop them into the boiling water. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they float to the surface and are cooked through. Drain well.
- 3
While the dumplings are cooking, prepare the topping. In a separate pan, fry the diced bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon bits with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave the rendered fat in the pan.
- 4
Add the chopped onion to the bacon fat (or add butter if using less fatty bacon) and sauté until softened and golden brown. Add the drained and chopped sauerkraut to the pan and cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens and some of the liquid evaporates.
- 5
Add the drained strapačky to the sauerkraut mixture. Toss gently to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in the reserved crispy bacon bits just before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The consistency of the potato dough is key. It should be firm enough to hold its shape but not dry.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the pot when boiling the dumplings; cook them in batches if necessary.
- ✓Taste the sauerkraut before adding salt, as it can be quite salty on its own.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of melted butter on top before serving.
- Some variations include adding caraway seeds to the sauerkraut while it cooks.
- For a richer dish, use smoked pork instead of bacon.