Potato with Tarhonya

Name: Potato with Tarhonya
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 250 g tarhonya (egg barley); 1 large onion; 150 g smoked bacon, diced; 1 tbsp sweet paprika powder; 2 tbsp lard or cooking oil; 700 ml hot water or vegetable broth; 1 tsp salt; 0.5 tsp ground black pepper

Difficulty

easy

Time

55m

Price Category

cheap

Calories

Medium

Tarhonyás Krumpli, or Potato with Tarhonya, is a true Hungarian classic that captivates with its simplicity and hearty flavor. This filling one-pot dish is a perfect choice for a cold day or when you crave something quick yet delicious. The flavorful combination of toasted tarhonya, tender potatoes, and smoky bacon is guaranteed to enchant your taste buds. Prepare this traditional dish yourself and enjoy the authentic flavors of Hungarian cuisine!

ingredients

4 Servings

250 g tarhonya (egg barley)1 large onion150 g smoked bacon, diced1 tbsp sweet paprika powder2 tbsp lard or cooking oil700 ml hot water or vegetable broth1 tsp salt0.5 tsp ground black pepper

Steps

Preparation

Peel and dice the potatoes into approximately 1.5-2 cm (0.6-0.8 inch) pieces. Finely chop the onion and dice the smoked bacon into small cubes.

Crisp the Bacon

In a large pot or deep skillet, melt the lard or heat the oil over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and fry until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon to a plate, but leave the rendered fat in the pot.

Toast Tarhonya

In the remaining fat (add a little more lard or oil if needed), sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the tarhonya and toast, stirring constantly, until golden brown, about 5-8 minutes. Be careful not to burn it.

Season and Add Potatoes

Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the sweet paprika powder. Quickly add the diced potatoes, salt, and pepper, then pour in the hot water or broth, just enough to cover the ingredients. Mix thoroughly, then return the pot to the heat.

Simmer and Serve

Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until both the potatoes and tarhonya are tender. Stir gently occasionally to prevent sticking. If necessary, add a little more hot water. Once cooked, stir in the reserved crispy bacon bits. Serve immediately while hot.

Extra Tips

► For an even richer flavor, use smoked sausage instead of bacon, or in addition to it.

► Do not wash the tarhonya before toasting; this helps it brown nicely and prevents sticking.

► Serve with pickles, such as fermented cucumbers or gherkins, for a perfect taste experience.

Nutrition

	Per 100g	Per Serving 400g
Calories	175 kcal	700 kcal
Protein	6g	24g
Fat	9g	36g
Carbohydrate	18g	72g
Fiber	2g	8g
Sugar	1g	4g