Krumplis Tészta – Hungarian Potato Pasta
Krumplis tészta is a comforting and traditional Hungarian dish that combines simple ingredients to create a hearty meal. It’s a great option for a quick, budget-friendly dinner. Here’s a detailed recipe for making this delicious dish:
Ingredients:
- 500 grams (1 lb) potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes
- 500 grams (1 lb) pasta (e.g., penne, fusilli, or elbow macaroni)
- 1 large brown onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Prepare the Potatoes and Onion:
- Dice the Onion: Finely chop the onion and set it aside.
- Cook the Onion: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and soft, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Paprika: Once the onion is translucent, remove the pan from heat and sprinkle the sweet paprika over the onions. Stir well to coat the onions evenly with the paprika.
- Cook the Potatoes:
- Add Potatoes: Return the pan to the heat and add the diced potatoes to the onions. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add Water: Pour in about a quarter cup of water to help the potatoes cook. Stir to combine.
- Simmer: Cover the pan with a lid and let the potatoes simmer on low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes. If needed, add a bit more water to keep the potatoes from sticking.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil Pasta: While the potatoes are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain Pasta: Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Combine and Serve:
- Mash Potatoes: When the potatoes are tender, gently crush them with a fork or spoon, leaving some chunks for texture.
- Mix with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the potatoes and onions. Stir well to combine, making sure the pasta is evenly mixed with the potato mixture.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve:
- Plate the Dish: Serve the Krumplis tészta warm. For an authentic Hungarian touch, pair it with pickled cucumbers or a side of sour cream.
Additional Tips:
- Variations: You can add cooked bacon or sausage pieces for extra flavor and protein.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can be added for a fresh burst of flavor.
- Creamy Version: For a creamier dish, you can stir in a dollop of sour cream just before serving.
Enjoy this easy and delicious Hungarian comfort food!