Túrós Csusza (Hungarian Cottage Cheese Noodles) 🇭🇺
A comforting, creamy, and salty-sweet Hungarian classic—ready in 20 minutes! This dish combines tender noodles with rich cottage cheese, crispy bacon, and a touch of sour cream for the ultimate hearty meal.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
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250g (9 oz) broad egg noodles (or fusilli/spätzle if unavailable)
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200g (7 oz) Hungarian túró (dry cottage cheese or farmer’s cheese)
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100g (3.5 oz) smoked bacon, diced
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100ml (⅓ cup) sour cream
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1 tbsp butter
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Salt & pepper to taste
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Paprika (sweet or smoked, for garnish)
(Optional: A drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for the traditional sweet-savory twist!)
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the noodles in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain but do not rinse (the starch helps the sauce cling).
2️⃣ Fry the bacon in a pan until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the fat in the pan.
3️⃣ Toss the noodles in the bacon fat + butter over low heat.
4️⃣ Add the túró (cottage cheese) and stir gently until melted into a creamy sauce.
5️⃣ Fold in the sour cream and half the crispy bacon. Season with salt & pepper.
6️⃣ Serve hot, topped with the remaining bacon, a dusting of paprika, and (if you dare) a tiny drizzle of honey!
Tips & Tricks
✨ No Hungarian túró? Use dry cottage cheese (drained) or blend ricotta with a squeeze of lemon for tang.
🔥 Extra richness? Stir in an egg yolk with the sour cream.
🍯 Sweet vs. Savory? Hungarians debate this—try it with or without honey!
Why It’s a Hungarian Favorite
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Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor—a peasant dish turned national treasure.
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Perfect for using up leftover noodles or cheese.
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The ultimate comfort food: creamy, smoky, and just a hint of sweetness.
Pair with pickled vegetables or a crisp cucumber salad to cut the richness.
Kedves étvágyat! (Bon appétit!) 😊
Want the sweet version (Túrós Csusza with jam)? Just ask!
