Overview of Slovakian Cuisine and its cultural significance

Hello and welcome to the CookEU training!
This training is designed to help you learn how to cook delicious and healthy dishes from
different European cuisines. You will discover the history, culture and ingredients of various regions, and practice your skills in preparing and presenting mouth-watering
recipes.

We hope you enjoy this training and have fun learning new things. Let’s get started!

Slovakian Cuisine

A Blend of Central European Influences Slovakian cuisine is a Central European cuisine that
consists of the culinary methods and traditions of Slovakia. It reflects a rich and diverse history
with a wide range of dishes that showcase local ingredients and flavors. Throughout the
centuries, Slovakian cuisine has been influenced by the cuisines of its neighbors, such as
Hungary, Austria, Czech Republic, Poland, and Ukraine. Slovakian cuisine is based on grains,
potatoes, dairy products, meat, cabbage, and mushrooms. Some of the most common grains are
wheat, barley, rye, buckwheat, and oats. Some of the most common dairy products are milk,
butter, cheese, sour cream, and yogurt. Some of the most common meats are pork, beef,
chicken, lamb, and game. Some of the most common cabbage varieties are white cabbage, red
cabbage, and sauerkraut. Some of the most common mushrooms are boletus, chanterelle,
morel, and porcini.

In this task, you will learn about the history, varieties, and uses of some of the key
ingredients and spices in Slovakian cuisine. You will also try making your own bread dumplings at
home and using them in a traditional recipe.
Read this article on Slovakian cuisine and answer the following questions:
– What are some of the main influences on Slovakian cuisine from different cultures
and regions?
– What are some of the national dishes of Slovakia and what are their main
ingredients?
– How do Slovaks use dairy products and mushrooms in their cooking?
– What are some of the health benefits of eating Slovakian food?
– How do Slovaks celebrate special occasions with food?

Watch this video on how to make bread dumplings at home and write down the

ingredients and steps. Include the following information:
– What kind of bread did you use and how did you cut it into cubes?
– How did you make the dough with flour, eggs, milk, salt, and baking powder?
– How did you shape and boil the dumplings in water?
– How did you slice and serve the dumplings?
Try making your own bread dumplings at home by following this recipe. You will need
bread (preferably stale), flour, eggs, milk, salt, baking powder, water, and butter. Share
your photos and impressions of your homemade bread dumplings.

  Answer the following questions:
– How soft and fluffy were your bread dumplings and how did they taste?
– How many bread dumplings did you make and how big were they?
– What did you serve with your bread dumplings?
Try using your bread dumplings in a traditional recipe by following this link. You
will need pork or beef roast (or both), onion, garlic, oil or lard, salt, pepper, paprika, caraway
seeds, bay leaves, water or broth (or beer), cornstarch or flour (for thickening), sour cream
(optional), parsley (for garnish). Share your photos and impressions of your bread
dumplings with meat sauce. Answer the following questions:
– How tender and juicy was your meat roast and how did it taste?
– How thick and savory was your meat sauce and how did it taste?
– How did the bread dumplings complement the meat roast and sauce in terms of
flavor, texture, and color?

– What other dishes would you like to try with bread dumplings?
Article link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slovak_cuisine
Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Q0y1Z7X9Zk
Bread dumplings recipe link: https://www.daringgourmet.com/slovak-halusky/ Traditional
recipe link: https://www.daringgourmet.com/slovak-segedin-goulash- segedinsky-gulas/

Slovakian Cheese

A Dairy Delight Slovakian cheese is a dairy product that is made from cow’s milk, sheep’s
milk, or goat’s milk. It is an essential part of Slovakian cuisine and culture, as it is used in
many dishes and desserts, as well as eaten on its own or with bread. Slovakian cheese can
be fresh or aged, soft or hard, mild or strong, depending on the type and method of
production. Some of the most popular and traditional Slovakian cheeses are bryndza,
oštiepok, parenica, korbáčik, tvaroh, and syrek.
In this task, you will learn about the history, varieties, and uses of some of the key cheeses
in Slovakian cuisine. You will also try making your own cheese pirohy at home and using
them in a traditional recipe.

Read this article on Slovakian cheese and answer the following questions:

– What are some of the main characteristics and benefits of sheep’s milk cheese?
– What are some of the differences between bryndza and oštiepok cheese?
– How do Slovaks use cheese in their cooking and baking?
– What are some of the regional specialties and festivals related to cheese in Slovakia?
– How do you store and serve cheese?

Watch this video on how to make cheese pirohy at home and write down the ingredients and steps. Include the following information:

– How did you make the dough with flour, water, salt, and oil?
– How did you make the filling with bryndza cheese, egg, salt, and pepper?
– How did you shape and boil the pirohy in water?
– How did you fry the bacon and onion for topping?

Try making your own cheese pirohy at home by following this recipe. You will need flour,
water, salt, oil, bryndza cheese (or feta cheese), egg, pepper, bacon, onion, and butter.
Share your photos and impressions of your homemade cheese pirohy. Answer the following
questions:
– How soft and cheesy were your cheese pirohy and how did they taste?
– How many cheese pirohy did you make and how big were they?
– What did you serve with your cheese pirohy?

Try using your cheese pirohy in a traditional recipe by following this link. You will need sour
cream, sugar, cinnamon, raisins (optional), walnuts (optional), and whipped cream (optional).
Share your photos and impressions of your cheese pirohy with sweet toppings.

 Answer the
following questions:
– How creamy and sweet were your cheese pirohy with sour cream and sugar?
– How did the cinnamon add flavor and aroma to your cheese pirohy?
– How did the raisins and walnuts add texture and crunch to your cheese pirohy?
– How did the whipped cream add lightness and richness to your cheese pirohy?
Article link: https://www.tasteatlas.com/most-popular-cheeses-in-slovakia

Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Q0y1Z7X9Zk
Cheese pirohy recipe link: https://www.daringgourmet.com/bryndzove-halusky- slovakpotato-
dumplings-with-bacon/
Traditional recipe link: https://www.daringgourmet.com/sweet-cheese-pierogi/

Slovakian Desserts

A Sweet Treat Slovakian desserts are a sweet treat that are enjoyed by Slovaks on various
occasions, such as holidays, celebrations, or as a snack. Slovakian desserts are influenced by
various cuisines from Central Europe and beyond, such as Austria, Hungary, Poland, Germany,
France, Italy, Turkey, and Russia. Slovakian desserts can be cakes, pastries, pies, cookies,
puddings, or candies, depending on the type and method of preparation. Some of the most
popular and traditional Slovakian desserts are trdelník, štrúdľa, medovník, makovník,
orechovník, bublanina, and medvedie labky.

In this task, you will learn about the history, varieties, and recipes of some of the key
desserts in Slovakian cuisine. You will also try making your own trdelník at home and using
it in a traditional recipe.

Read this article on Slovakian desserts and answer the following questions:
– What are some of the main ingredients and spices used in Slovakian desserts?
– What are some of the differences between štrúdľa and other types of strudel?
– How do Slovaks use poppy seeds and walnuts in their desserts?
– What are some of the regional specialties and festivals related to desserts in
Slovakia?

– How do you store and serve desserts?
Watch this video on how to make trdelník at home and write down the ingredients and
steps. Include the following information:

– How did you make the dough with flour, yeast, sugar, salt, milk, butter, and egg?
– How did you let the dough rise and divide it into pieces?
– How did you roll and wrap the dough around a wooden stick or a rolling pin?
– How did you coat the dough with sugar, cinnamon, and crushed nuts?
– How did you bake the trdelník in the oven or over a fire?
Try making your own trdelník at home by following this recipe. You will need flour, yeast,
sugar, salt, milk, butter, egg, cinnamon, crushed nuts (walnuts or almonds), wooden sticks or
rolling pins, baking paper or aluminum foil. Share your photos and impressions of your
homemade trdelník. Answer the following questions:
– How crispy and sweet were your trdelník and how did they taste?
– How many trdelník did you make and how big were they?
– What did you serve with your trdelník?

Try using your trdelník in a traditional recipe by following this link. You will need whipped
cream, chocolate sauce or Nutella (optional), fresh fruits (optional), ice cream (optional).

Share your photos and impressions of your trdelník with sweet fillings. Answer the following
questions:
questions:

How creamy and decadent were your trdelník with whipped cream and chocolate sauce or
Nutella?

How did the fresh fruits add freshness and color to your trdelník? How did
the ice cream add coolness and creaminess to your trdelník?
Article link: https://www.tasteatlas.com/most-popular-desserts-in-slovakia
Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Q0y1Z7X9Zk
Trdelník recipe link: https://www.daringgourmet.com/trdelnik-slovak-czechcinnamon-
and-sugar-pastry/
Traditional recipe link: https://www.daringgourmet.com/trdelnik-with-whippedcream/

Key ingredients and techniques, including Bryndzové halušky, Kapustnica, and
Klobása

Hello and welcome to the CookEU training!
This training is designed to help you learn how to cook delicious and healthy dishes from
different European cuisines. You will discover the history, culture and ingredients of
various regions, and practice your skills in preparing and presenting mouth-watering
recipes.
We hope you enjoy this training and have fun learning new things. Let’s get started!
Bryndzové halušky
The Potato Dumplings with Sheep’s Cheese of Slovakia Bryndzové halušky is a dish of potato
dumplings with sheep’s cheese that is considered the national dish of Slovakia. It is a
simple but satisfying dish that showcases the local ingredients and flavors of Slovakia.
Bryndzové halušky is made from grated potatoes, flour, and egg that are formed into small
lumps and boiled in water. The cooked dumplings are then topped with bryndza, a soft and
tangy cheese made from sheep’s milk. The dish is usually garnished with fried bacon bits
and drippings for extra flavor and texture. Bryndzové halušky is often served with žinčica,
a sour sheep’s milk drink, or beer.
In this task, you will learn about the history, varieties, and uses of bryndzové halušky in
Slovakian cuisine. You will also try making your own bryndzové halušky at home and
using it in a traditional recipe.
Read this article on bryndzové halušky and answer the following questions:
– What are some of the possible origins and meanings of the word bryndzové
halušky?

– What are some of the differences between bryndzové halušky in Slovakia and other
countries? 

– How do Slovaks make and eat bryndzové halušky?

– What are some of the health benefits of eating bryndzové halušky?
– How do you store and reheat bryndzové halušky?
Watch this video on how to make bryndzové halušky at home and write down the ingredients
and steps. Include the following information:
– How did you grate and squeeze the potatoes for the dough?
– How did you mix the flour, egg, salt, and baking powder with the potatoes?
– How did you shape and boil the halušky in water?
– How did you crumble and melt the bryndza cheese with butter?
– How did you fry the bacon and onion for topping?

Try making your own bryndzové halušky at home by following this recipe. You will
need potatoes, flour, egg, salt, baking powder, water, bryndza cheese (or feta cheese), butter,
bacon, onion. Share your photos and impressions of your homemade bryndzové halušky.

Answer the following questions:

– How soft and cheesy were your bryndzové halušky and how did they taste?
– How many bryndzové halušky did you make and how big were they?
– What did you serve with your bryndzové halušky?
Try using your bryndzové halušky in a traditional recipe by following this link. You will
need spinach, garlic, oil or butter, salt, pepper, nutmeg (optional), sour cream (optional). Share
your photos and impressions of your bryndzové halušky with spinach. Answer the following
questions:
– How fresh and green was your spinach and how did it taste?
– How did you cook the spinach with garlic, oil or butter, salt, pepper, and nutmeg
(optional)?
– How did you serve the spinach with sour cream (optional) on top or on the side?
– How did the spinach complement the bryndzové halušky in terms of flavor, texture,
and color?
Article link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bryndzov%C3%A9_halu%C5%A1ky
Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Q0y1Z7X9Zk
Bryndzové halušky recipe link: https://www.internationalcuisine.com/bryndzovehalusky/
Traditional recipe link: https://www.daringgourmet.com/spinach-with-garlic-andbutter/
Kapustnica

The Sauerkraut Soup of Slovakia Kapustnica is a soup made of sauerkraut that is a traditional
and festive dish in Slovakia. It is a hearty and flavorful soup that showcases the local
ingredients and spices of Slovakia. Kapustnica is made from sauerkraut, water or broth, onion,
garlic, oil or lard, paprika, bay leaves, caraway seeds, salt, and pepper. The soup can also
include various meats, such as pork, sausage, ham, bacon, or smoked ribs. The soup can also
include various mushrooms, such as dried or fresh porcini, chanterelle, or morel. The soup can
also include various fruits, such as dried plums, apples, or grapes. Kapustnica is usually served
with bread or bread dumplings.

In this task, you will learn about the history, varieties, and uses of kapustnica in Slovakian
cuisine. You will also try making your own kapustnica at home and using it in a traditional
recipe

Read this article on kapustnica and answer the following questions:

– What are some of the possible origins and meanings of the word kapustnica?
– What are some of the differences between kapustnica in Slovakia and other
countries?

– How do Slovaks make and eat kapustnica?
– What are some of the health benefits of eating kapustnica?
– How do you store and reheat kapustnica?
Watch this video on how to make kapustnica at home and write down the ingredients
and steps. Include the following information:
– How did you rinse and chop the sauerkraut for the soup?
– How did you sauté the onion and garlic with oil or lard, paprika, bay leaves, caraway seeds,
salt, and pepper?
– How did you add the water or broth and the meat (pork, sausage, ham, bacon, or smoked
ribs) to the pot?

– How did you simmer the soup until the meat was tender?
– How did you add the mushrooms (dried or fresh porcini, chanterelle, or morel) and the
fruits (dried plums, apples, or grapes) to the soup?
Try making your own kapustnica at home by following this recipe. You will need sauerkraut,
water or broth, onion, garlic, oil or lard, paprika, bay leaves, caraway seeds, salt, pepper, meat
(pork, sausage, ham, bacon, or smoked ribs), mushrooms (dried or fresh porcini, chanterelle, or
morel), fruits (dried plums, apples, or grapes). Share your photos and impressions of your
homemade kapustnica. Answer the following questions:
– How sour and savory was your kapustnica and how did it taste?
– How much sauerkraut and meat did you use for the soup and how big were they?
– How did the mushrooms and fruits add flavor and texture to the soup?
– What did you serve with your kapustnica?

Try using your kapustnica in a traditional recipe by following this link. You will need bread or
bread dumplings. Share your photos and impressions of your kapustnica with bread or
bread dumplings. Answer the following questions:
– How soft and fluffy was your bread or bread dumplings and how did they taste?
– How did you make or buy the bread or bread dumplings?
– How did the bread or bread dumplings complement the kapustnica in terms of
flavor, texture, and color?

– How did you eat the kapustnica with the bread or bread dumplings?


Article link: https://www.daringgourmet.com/slovak-sauerkraut-soup-kapustnica/
Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Q0y1Z7X9Zk
Kapustnica recipe link: https://www.daringgourmet.com/slovak-sauerkraut-soup- kapustnica/
Traditional recipe link: https://www.daringgourmet.com/slovak-halusky/
Klobása
The Sausage of Slovakia Klobása is a sausage that is a common and versatile ingredient in
Slovakian cuisine. It is a meat product that is made from minced pork, beef, or veal that is
seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic, paprika, caraway seeds, marjoram, and other spices. The
meat mixture is then stuffed into natural or artificial casings and twisted into links. The sausage
can be fresh or smoked, depending on the type and method of production. Klobása can be
eaten on its own or with bread and mustard, or used in various dishes and soups.
In this task, you will learn about the history, varieties, and uses of klobása in Slovakian
cuisine. You will also try making your own klobása at home and using it in a traditional
recipe.

Read this article on klobása and answer the following questions:

– What are some of the possible origins and meanings of the word klobása?
– What are some of the differences between klobása in Slovakia and other countries?
– How do Slovaks make and eat klobása?
– What are some of the health benefits of eating klobása?
– How do you store and cook klobása?
Watch this video on how to make klobása at home and write down the ingredients and
steps. Include the following information:
– What kind of meat did you use and how did you mince it?
– How did you season the meat with salt, pepper, garlic, paprika, caraway seeds, marjoram,
and other spices?
– How did you stuff the meat into natural or artificial casings and twist them into
links?

– How did you smoke or cook the klobása in water or oven?
Try making your own klobása at home by following this recipe. You will need pork shoulder
(or beef chuck or veal shoulder), salt, pepper, garlic, paprika, caraway seeds, marjoram,
other spices (optional), natural or artificial casings, water or oven, smoker (optional). Share
your photos and impressions of your homemade klobása. Answer the following questions:
– How juicy and tender was your klobása and how did it taste?
– How many klobása did you make and how big were they?
– What did you serve with your klobása?

Try using your klobása in a traditional recipe by following this link. You will need potatoes,
onion, oil or lard, salt, pepper, paprika, water or broth, sour cream (optional), parsley (for
garnish). Share your photos and impressions of your klobása with potato stew. Answer the
following questions:

– How soft and creamy were your potatoes and how did they taste?
– How did you cook the potatoes with onion, oil or lard, salt, pepper, paprika, water or
broth, and sour cream (optional)?
– How did you serve the potato stew with klobása on top or on the side?
– How did the potato stew complement the klobása in terms of flavor, texture, and
color?

Article link: https://www.tasteatlas.com/klobasa
Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Q0y1Z7X9Zk
Klobása recipe link: https://www.daringgourmet.com/homemade-slovak-sausage- klobasa/
Traditional recipe link: https://www.daringgourmet.com/slovak-segedin-goulashsegedinsky-
gulas/