Authentic Lithuanian Bulvinių Krokėsių Pyragas (Potato Croquette Pie) Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1kg of potatoes
  • 200g of smoked bacon
  • 2 onions
  • 4 eggs
  • 100ml of milk
  • 100g of flour
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Butter for greasing
  • Breadcrumbs for coating

Steps and instructions

  1. Peel the potatoes, grate them and squeeze out any excess liquid.
  2. Fry the finely chopped onions and cubed bacon in a pan until golden.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the milk, flour, salt, and pepper.
  4. Add the fried onions and bacon to the grated potatoes and mix well.
  5. Gradually add the egg mixture to the potato mixture, stirring until combined.
  6. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Grease a baking dish with butter and coat with breadcrumbs.
  7. Pour the potato mixture into the prepared dish and flatten with a spatula.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the top is golden and crispy.
  9. Allow the pie to cool slightly before cutting into squares. Serve warm.

Tools for making

  • Grater - for grating the potatoes
  • Pan - for frying the onions and bacon
  • Bowl - for mixing the eggs, milk, flour, salt, and pepper
  • Spatula - for flattening the potato mixture in the baking dish
  • Baking dish - for baking the pie
  • Butter - for greasing the baking dish
  • Breadcrumbs - for coating the greased baking dish

Recipe variations

  • Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a different flavor.
  • Add grated cheese to the potato mixture for a cheesy twist.
  • Replace the smoked bacon with cooked ham or sausage.
  • Try using different herbs and spices such as thyme, paprika, or rosemary for added flavor.
  • Make a vegetarian version by omitting the bacon and adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
  • Experiment with different types of flour such as whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour.
  • Instead of baking the pie, try frying it in a pan to make individual potato pancakes.
  • Create a crust by using crushed crackers or bread crumbs mixed with melted butter.
  • Add a layer of sliced tomatoes or bell peppers between the potato mixture for added freshness.
  • For a spicy twist, add chopped chili peppers or cayenne pepper to the potato mixture.

Recipe overview

Enjoy a taste of traditional Lithuanian cuisine with this recipe for Bulvinių krokėsių pyragas, a delicious and hearty potato pie. This dish combines grated potatoes with smoked bacon and onions, combined with a savory mixture of eggs, milk, and flour. Once baked to golden perfection in the oven, it results in a pie that's crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It's a simple and satisfying dish that's perfect for a comforting dinner or as a side dish to share with family and friends. Whether you're new to Lithuanian food or a seasoned connoisseur, this recipe is sure to make a tasty addition to your culinary repertoire.

Common questions

  1. Can I use different types of potatoes? You can use different types of potatoes for this recipe, but keep in mind that the texture and taste may vary slightly.
  2. Can I substitute the bacon with a different ingredient? Yes, you can substitute the bacon with other ingredients such as ham or sausage, but it will alter the flavor of the dish.
  3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, you can make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the bacon and adding in vegetables such as mushrooms or spinach for added flavor.
  4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the potato pie ahead of time and reheat it in the oven before serving. It may lose a bit of its crispiness, but the flavors will still be delicious.
  5. Can I freeze the potato pie? Yes, you can freeze the potato pie. Make sure it is fully cooled, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
  6. Can I serve this dish cold? While traditionally served warm, you can also enjoy this potato pie cold. It can be a great option for picnics or packed lunches.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Baking dish - A dish used for baking the potato pie in the oven.
  • Grater - A tool used to grate the potatoes for the recipe.
  • Pan - Used for frying the onions and bacon.
  • Bowl - Used for mixing the eggs, milk, flour, salt, and pepper.
  • Spatula - Used to flatten the potato mixture in the baking dish.
  • Oven - Required for baking the potato pie.

Origin stories

Bulvinių krokėsių pyragas is a beloved dish originating from Lithuania, a country known for its hearty and comforting cuisine. Often served during the cold winter months, this potato pie is a testament to the resourcefulness and creativity of Lithuanian cooks. Potatoes, introduced to Lithuania in the late 18th century, quickly became a staple food due to their ability to thrive in the country's climate. They were incorporated into many traditional dishes, including this one. The Bulvinių krokėsių pyragas, with its crispy golden crust and savory filling, bears witness to how something as simple as a potato can be transformed into a dish that warms the heart and nourishes the body. This dish is not merely food, it's a slice of Lithuanian history and culture, served on a plate.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.