Strapacky s Kyslou Kapustou a Slaninou (Dumplings with Sauerkraut and Bacon)
A hearty and flavorful dish featuring small, irregular potato dumplings (strapačky) simmered with tangy sauerkraut and savory smoked bacon, offering a perfect balance of textures and tastes.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Potatoes(peeled and grated)
- 150 g All-purpose flour(plus more for dusting)
- 1 large Egg
- 1 tsp Salt
- 500 g Sauerkraut(drained, and liquid reserved)
- 150 g Smoked bacon(diced)
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 1 tsp Caraway seeds(optional)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Squeeze excess liquid from the grated potatoes using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Discard the liquid.
💡 Tip: Getting the potatoes as dry as possible is crucial for the dumpling texture. - 2
In a bowl, combine the dried grated potatoes, flour, egg, and salt. Mix until a cohesive, slightly sticky dough forms.
💡 Tip: The dough should be soft but hold its shape. - 3
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
💡 Tip: Ensure the water is at a vigorous boil before adding the dumplings. - 4
Using a spoon or a small knife, scrape small, irregular pieces of dough directly into the boiling water. These are the strapačky.
💡 Tip: Work quickly and in batches to prevent the dough from overcooking. - 5
Cook the strapačky until they float to the surface, then continue boiling for another 3-5 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
⏱️ 8-10 minutes💡 Tip: They should be cooked through but not mushy. - 6
While the dumplings cook, render the diced bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
⏱️ 8-10 minutes💡 Tip: Leave enough bacon fat for sautéing the onions. - 7
Add the chopped onion to the bacon fat and sauté until softened and lightly golden. Add the drained sauerkraut and caraway seeds (if using). Cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauerkraut is tender and slightly caramelized.
⏱️ 10-15 minutes💡 Tip: You can add a splash of the reserved sauerkraut liquid if the mixture seems too dry. - 8
Add the cooked strapačky to the skillet with the sauerkraut. Toss to combine and heat through for about 5 minutes.
⏱️ 5 minutes💡 Tip: Ensure the dumplings are well coated with the sauerkraut mixture. - 9
Stir in the reserved crispy bacon and season with freshly ground black pepper. Serve hot.
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped chives before serving.
- ✓If you don't have a halušky maker, using a grater with large holes or simply scraping small pieces with a knife works well.
- ✓Ensure the sauerkraut is well-drained to avoid a watery final dish.
🔄 Variations
- Add smoked sausage (klobása) along with the bacon for an extra layer of smoky flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and sauté the onions in oil or butter, adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky note.