Túrós csusza (Hungarian curd-cheese noodles) — breakfast/brunch

Ingredients

Contains gluten, dairy, egg. Cooking for an allergy? Check the label on every packet you use — brands differ, and we can only tell you what the recipe calls for.

Method

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. 2

   Bring the 3 L of water to a rolling boil in a large pot and add 1 tsp kosher salt.

   10 min
3. 3

   Add the noodles and cook until just al dente according to package directions (about 8–10 minutes).

   10 min
4. 4

   While the pasta cooks, heat a medium skillet over medium heat and fry the diced bacon until crisp and golden.

   10 min
5. 5

   Use a slotted spoon to transfer about three-quarters of the crisp bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate, leaving 1–2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.

6. 6

   In a medium bowl, stir together the túró, sour cream, the remaining 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper until combined.

7. 7

   Reserve about 120 ml (1/2 cup) of the starchy pasta cooking water, then drain the noodles.

8. 8

   Return the drained noodles to the hot pot off the heat, add the butter and the túró–sour cream mixture, then add reserved pasta water a little at a time and stir until the sauce is creamy.

9. 9

   Fold in most of the crispy bacon (reserve a little for topping).

10. 10

    Transfer the noodle mixture to a lightly buttered 9x13-inch (or similar) baking dish and spread evenly.

11. 11

    Bake in the preheated oven until the top is warmed through and just beginning to brown at the edges.

    12 min
12. 12

    Remove from the oven, sprinkle with the remaining bacon and chopped chives, season to taste with extra black pepper, and serve immediately.