Rakott Krumpli Sonkaval

Elevating the Spirit.
Our week in Hungary is ending early, due to a soccer tournament that takes us to Cedar Falls, Iowa. So, our last meal in Hungary tonight was a recipe given to me from a parent of a player on our soccer team whose husband is from Hungary. It's a family favorite that they love and it's kid friendly, bonus. Thanks Misty!

This recipe for Hungarian potato-ham casserole or "rakott krumpli sonkaval (RRAH-koht KRROOM-plee SHOHN-kaw-vahl), where rakott literally means "pleated" and refers to the layers in this dish, and krumpli means "potatoes," is layered with leftover ham, potatoes and hard-boiled eggs.  The outcome was delicious. Elie was fine with it. Hannah thought it was too bland and didn't like the potatoes and Katy refused to eat because she doesn't like potatoes or eggs or saucy things. (no worries, mom... she had cold noodles with caesar dressing, her staple food!) Andy and I gobbled up our last comfort meal for the week. 

Rakott Krumpli Sonkaval
Prep Time: 45 minutes • Cook time 45 minutes 
Ingredients:
3 pounds potato cooked in their jackets in salted water until just tender
1 pound cubed ham
1 stick melted butter
6 hard-cooked eggs, peeled and sliced 1/4-inch thick
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk

1 tablespoon sweet or hot Hungarian paprika

Preparation:

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Peel and slice potatoes into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Butter a deep baking dish and lay down 1/3 of the potatoes. Salt and pepper them and brush with some of the melted butter. Cover with 1/2 the ham, another 1/3 potatoes, salt, pepper and butter. Arrange egg slices on top of that followed by remaining ham and remaining potatoes, salt, pepper and remaining butter. 

2.  Mix together sour cream, milk and paprika. Pour over top of casserole, spreading to the ends. Place casserole dish on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake about 30-45 minutes or until heated through, potatoes are tender and top is golden. If top is not browning, broil for a few minutes. Let cool a few minutes before serving. Try this for breakfast the next day.

As we end our journey in this country, I found a few words in my history search to describe what food means to this country that I thought was fitting to share ... "Hungarians do not take anything lightly, least of all food. The romantic, volatile, and soulful Hungarian uses food the way most other people use psychology, politics, literature, material acquisitions, and even medicine. Food is the prelude to a mood, the buffer for difficult situations, and the solace – even the cure – for adversity. Food elevates the spirit, food promotes confidence, food is a comforting symbol of success and status. But most important of all, in the Hungarian mind, food, love, and music are inextricably interwoven with one's very existence".

Happy Is...Hungarian Cuisine. Hope you enjoyed it!