Füstölt Lángos

Background and History

Füstölt Lángos is a delightful Hungarian dish that combines the traditional flavors of lángos with a smoky twist. Lángos is a deep-fried flatbread that has been a staple in Hungarian cuisine for centuries. Originating as a simple bread prepared in the ovens by peasants, it has evolved to become a popular street food enjoyed by many. The word "lángos" itself is derived from "láng," meaning flame, which reflects its origins of being baked close to the open flame. Adding a smoked layer to this dish enhances its flavor and brings it into a different culinary realm.

Ingredients

• Flour - 500g
• Potato - 1 medium, boiled and mashed
• Yeast - 10g, active dry
• Sugar - 1 tsp
• Salt - 1 tsp
• Water - 250ml, warm
• Smoked Sausage - 100g, sliced
• Sour Cream - 100ml
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Cheese - 100g, grated
• Cooking Oil - for frying

Preparation

To prepare the potato, peel it, boil it until soft, and then mash it. Simultaneously, you can start by activating the yeast. In a bowl, mix the warm water with the sugar and the yeast. Leave it to sit for about 10 minutes or until it becomes frothy, signaling that the yeast is active.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, mashed potato, yeast mixture, and salt. Knead the mixture until a soft dough forms. If the dough is sticky, you may add a bit more flour till it becomes pliable and not too sticky. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.

Cooking Process

Once the dough has risen, punch it down, and divide it into equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball. Allow these balls to rest for a few minutes. In the meantime, prepare to fry by heating the cooking oil in a deep pan. The oil should be hot enough (around 180°C) for frying. Flatten each dough ball into a flat disc and carefully place it into the hot oil.

Fry each side for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Ensure the cooking timer is set to avoid burning. Once cooked, remove them and let them drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

For the topping, in a pan, sauté the smoked sausage until slightly crispy. Spread sour cream generously over each lángos. Add the sautéed sausage and sprinkle with minced garlic and cheese.

How to Enjoy

Füstölt Lángos is best enjoyed fresh and warm. It makes a wonderful snack or a hearty meal when served alongside a salad or coleslaw. The combination of crispy fried bread, smoky sausage, cool sour cream, and melted cheese promises every bite to be a delightful experience. Whether served at a festival, a family gathering, or simply as a way to bring a piece of Hungary into your home, this dish is sure to be a favorite.

The smoky aroma from the sausage enhances the sensory experience, making it an attractive dish that stands out. Pairing it with a refreshing drink like lemonade or even a chilled beer can make for a satisfying meal.