Slovak Pagach Recipe

As we explore the culinary landscape of Slovakia, we couldn’t help but fall in love with Slovak Pagach.

This delightful bread, often filled with potatoes and cheese, offers a comforting taste of tradition that connects generations.

We discovered that Pagach is not just a dish but a popular part of family gatherings, especially during meatless meals like Advent and Lent.

We’ve enjoyed preparing this dish together, making it a perfect recipe for anyone looking to try their hand at Slovak cuisine.

The blend of simple ingredients and straightforward steps makes it an accessible choice for both seasoned cooks and kitchen newcomers alike.

Our adventures in Slovakia showed us that food has a special way of bringing people together, and Pagach is a tasty example of this.

Join us as we share our favorite Slovak Pagach recipe, complete with tips from our travels.

With each bite, you’ll experience a taste of Slovakia’s warm hospitality right in your own home.

Why You’ll Love This Slovak Pagach Recipe

We think you’ll enjoy making Slovak pagach because it combines simple ingredients into something delicious.

This flatbread is perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.

The filling often includes comforting flavors like:

• Potatoes: Creamy and filling.
• Cheese: Adds a rich taste.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors.

Making pagach is a great way for people to connect with their Slovak heritage. This recipe is often passed down through generations, creating memories with each bite.

The dough is easy to work with. With just a few steps, we can prepare a delightful bread that’s golden and flaky.

It’s also fun to share our homemade pagach with friends, making it a crowd-pleaser at any meal.

Not only is it tasty, but it’s also versatile.

We can enjoy pagach as a:

• Main dish: When stuffed with hearty fillings.
• Side dish: Paired with soup or salad.

Using this Slovak recipe book, we can explore more recipes and create a full Slovak meal. It’s a chance to celebrate people’s roots while enjoying delicious food.

What Makes This Slovak Pagach Recipe Special

This Slovak pagach recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it represents traditional food in Slovakia, bringing a taste of Slovak heritage to our table.

Key Features:

• Simple Ingredients: We use basic ingredients like potatoes, cheese, and bread dough. This keeps the recipe approachable for everyone, no matter their cooking skills.
• Versatile Filling: The filling can change based on what we have. From potatoes to cheese, or even sauerkraut, we can customize it to our taste.
• Cultural Significance: Pagach is often served during special occasions like Advent or Lent. Enjoying this dish connects people to Slovak traditions and family gatherings.
• Vegetarian Delight: This dish is perfect for meatless meals. It offers a hearty option that satisfies without meat.
• Homemade Touch: Making pagach at home allows us to share a piece of our culture with friends and family. The smell of baking bread fills our kitchen with warmth and nostalgia.

In embracing this Slovak pagach recipe, we explore a popular dish that links people to their roots. As we prepare it, we enjoy not just the food but also the memories and stories behind it.

Cooking Equipment Needed

To make Slovak Pagach, we need some basic kitchen tools. Here’s what we should gather before starting.

Essential Equipment

• Mixing Bowl: For combining our ingredients.
• Saucepan: To heat water, milk, or any liquids we need.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accuracy in our ingredients.
• Rolling Pin: To roll out the dough to the right thickness.
• Baking Sheet: To place our pagach before baking.
• Parchment Paper: To prevent sticking on the baking sheet.

Optional Tools

• Stand Mixer: If we prefer an easier mixing process, a stand mixer can help knead the dough.
• Thermometer: To ensure our liquids are at the right temperature for the yeast.
• Pastry Brush: To apply any egg wash or butter on top before baking.

Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother. Let’s make sure everything is ready to enjoy those delicious pagach!

Cooking Instructions

Let’s make Slovak Pagach together! We’ll start with the dough and then prepare the filling.

Steps:

1. Activate Yeast: In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Make the Dough: In a larger bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and oil. Mix until it forms a soft dough.
3. Knead the Dough: On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 5-10 minutes. It should be smooth and elastic.
4. Let it Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a cloth and let it rise for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.
5. Prepare the Filling: While the dough rises, mash the potatoes and mix in the cheese and salt.
6. Shape the Pagach: Roll out the dough and cut it into circles. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over and seal.
7. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pagach on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Cooking Tips

When making Slovak Pagach, getting the dough just right is key. Here are some helpful tips we can follow:

1. Use Fresh Yeast
   Make sure your yeast is fresh. This helps the dough rise better, giving us a fluffier bread.
2. Warm Water
   Use lukewarm water when activating the yeast. It helps the yeast wake up and start working.
3. Let It Rise
   Allow the dough to rise in a warm place. This usually takes about an hour.Cover it with a kitchen towel to keep it warm.
4. Knead Well
   Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This usually takes around 5–10 minutes.
5. Don’t Skip the Rises
   The dough should rise twice. This gives it a better texture and flavor.
6. Brush with Butter
   After baking, we can brush the tops with melted butter. This adds flavor and makes them shiny.
7. Experiment with Fillings
   While potatoes and cheese are classic, we can try different fillings. Cooked meats or other cheeses could be fun options.

Ingredients Needed for the Slovak Pagach Recipe

For the Dough:
Water
Sugar
Kosher salt
Canola oil, or butter
Active dry yeast
All-purpose flour

For the Potato Filling:
Potatoes
Kosher salt
Cheddar cheese

Instructions For Preparing the Slovak Pagach Recipe

Preparing the Dough:
In a medium saucepan, bring water, sugar, salt, and oil to a boil. Remove from heat and let cool to lukewarm. In a separate bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in lukewarm water and set aside.

Place flour in a stand mixer or mixing bowl, then add the cooled sugar-water mixture and yeast mixture. Mix until combined, then knead until smooth, about 7 minutes by machine or at least 10 minutes by hand. Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled.

Making the Potato Filling:
While the dough rises, boil potatoes until soft. Drain, mash, and season with salt to taste. Stir in grated cheese while potatoes are still hot, mixing well. Let cool before using.

Shaping and Assembling the Bread:
Punch down the risen dough, turn onto a floured surface, and divide into two portions. Cover with greased plastic and let rest for 15 minutes. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, roll one portion into a 9×13-inch rectangle or 12-inch circle, then spread the potato filling evenly, leaving a ½-inch border.

Roll out the second portion on a floured surface and place over the filling. Pinch edges to seal and prick the top with a fork to allow steam to escape. Cover with greased plastic and let rise for 30 minutes.

Baking the Bread:
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown on top and bottom. Remove from the oven and cool on a rack.

FAQs For the Slovak Pagach Recipe

Question: What is a traditional Slovak Pagach Recipe?
A: A traditional Slovak Pagach Recipe is a Slovak dish made with a soft dough stuffed with a potato and cheese filling, then baked or fried until golden brown.

Question: How do you make the dough for a Slovak Pagach Recipe?
A: To make the dough for a Slovak Pagach Recipe, you need flour, yeast, warm water, sugar, salt, and oil, kneaded together and allowed to rise until doubled in size.

Question: What fillings can be used in a Slovak Pagach Recipe?
A: The most common filling for a Slovak Pagach Recipe is mashed potatoes and cheese, but some variations include cabbage, sauerkraut, or mushrooms for added flavor.

Question: Can a Slovak Pagach Recipe be made ahead of time?
A: Yes, a Slovak Pagach Recipe can be made ahead of time by preparing the dough and filling in advance, then assembling and baking when ready to serve.

Question: What is the best way to serve a Slovak Pagach Recipe?
A: The best way to serve a Slovak Pagach Recipe is warm, sliced into wedges, and paired with sour cream or butter for extra richness and flavor.

RECIPE CARD

Slovak Pagach Recipe

A hearty Slovak bread topped with a variety of savory ingredients such as garlic, herbs, and lard, providing a satisfying, aromatic flavor perfect for pairing with soups and stews.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Rising Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Total Time 3 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Course bread

Cuisine Slovak

Servings 12

Calories 195 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

For the Dough:

• 1 1/4 cups water divided
• 6 teaspoons sugar divided
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 1/2 tablespoons canola oil or butter
• 1 package active dry yeast
• 3 cups all-purpose flour

For the Potato Filling:

• 2 cups potatoes cubed
• Kosher salt to taste
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese grated

Instructions

 

Preparing the Dough:

• In a medium saucepan, bring water, sugar, salt, and oil to a boil. Remove from heat and let cool to lukewarm. In a separate bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in lukewarm water and set aside.
• Place flour in a stand mixer or mixing bowl, then add the cooled sugar-water mixture and yeast mixture. Mix until combined, then knead until smooth, about 7 minutes by machine or at least 10 minutes by hand. Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled.

Making the Potato Filling:

• While the dough rises, boil potatoes until soft. Drain, mash, and season with salt to taste. Stir in grated cheese while potatoes are still hot, mixing well. Let cool before using.

Shaping and Assembling the Bread:

• Punch down the risen dough, turn onto a floured surface, and divide into two portions. Cover with greased plastic and let rest for 15 minutes. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, roll one portion into a 9×13-inch rectangle or 12-inch circle, then spread the potato filling evenly, leaving a ½-inch border.
• Roll out the second portion on a floured surface and place over the filling. Pinch edges to seal and prick the top with a fork to allow steam to escape. Cover with greased plastic and let rise for 30 minutes.

Baking the Bread:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown on top and bottom. Remove from the oven and cool on a rack.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 195kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 5gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 229mgPotassium: 190mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 48IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 43mgIron: 2mg

Keyword Slovak Pagach

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!