Traditional Lithuanian Kugelis Recipe

Ingredients

10 large russet potatoes
1 large onion
4 large eggs
1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
8 ounces of bacon
1/2 cup of milk
2 tablespoons of unsalted butter

Steps and instructions

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
Peel and finely grate the potatoes and onion. Use a food processor to speed up the process.
Transfer the grated potatoes and onion to a large mixing bowl.
Add the eggs, flour, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
Cut the bacon into small pieces and cook in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Reserve the bacon grease.
Add the cooked bacon and grease to the potato mixture. Stir the mixture until the bacon is evenly distributed.
Gradually stir in the milk until the mixture reaches a semi-liquid consistency.
Grease a baking dish with the butter, then pour the potato mixture into the dish.
Bake for 1 hour or until the top is golden brown and crispy. Use a toothpick to check if the kugelis is fully cooked. If it comes out clean, the kugelis is ready.
Let the kugelis cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm.

Tools for making

Peeler - Used to peel the potatoes before grating them.
Grater - Used to finely grate the potatoes and onion.
Food Processor - Optional, but can be used to speed up the grating process.
Large Mixing Bowl - Used to mix all the ingredients together.
Skillet - Used to cook the bacon until crispy.
Baking Dish - Used to bake the kugelis in the oven.
Toothpick - Used to check if the kugelis is fully cooked by inserting it into the center and seeing if it comes out clean.

Recipe variations

Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon and use vegetable oil or olive oil instead for sautéing the onions.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour or a combination of gluten-free flours as a substitute for all-purpose flour.
Meat-Free: Skip the bacon and add in your favorite vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach, for added flavor and texture.
Cheese Variation: Mix in grated cheese, such as cheddar or Parmesan, into the potato mixture for a cheesy twist.
Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives to the potato mixture to enhance the flavor.
Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips on top of the kugelis before baking to achieve a crispy crust.
Sweet Kugelis: For a dessert version, reduce the amount of salt and pepper and add sugar, cinnamon, and grated apples or raisins to the potato mixture.

Recipe overview

Kugelis is a traditional Lithuanian dish known for its hearty and comforting qualities. This recipe is made with simple, staple ingredients - potatoes, onions, eggs, bacon, and a few seasonings. The potatoes are grated, mixed with other ingredients, and then baked to golden-brown perfection. The result is a delicious dish with a crispy crust and a soft, savory interior. This Kugelis recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it a great choice whether you're familiar with Lithuanian cuisine or looking to try something new. Served warm, Kugelis is the perfect comfort food for any time of the day.

Common questions

Can I use a different type of potato? Yes, you can use other types of potatoes, but russet potatoes are preferred for their starchiness and texture.
Can I substitute the bacon with a different ingredient? Certainly! If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can omit the bacon or replace it with cooked and crumbled vegetarian bacon or diced mushrooms.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the kugelis ahead of time and refrigerate it. When you're ready to serve, reheat it in the oven until warmed through.
Can I freeze the leftovers? Absolutely! Kugelis freezes well. Allow the leftovers to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bags. Thaw and reheat in the oven before serving.
What can I serve with kugelis? Kugelis is traditionally served with sour cream or applesauce. It pairs well with a side salad or pickles for a complete meal.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the grated potatoes and other ingredients.
Food Processor - Optional, but helpful for quickly grating the potatoes and onion.
Skillet - Used to cook the bacon until crispy.
Baking Dish - A dish to bake the kugelis in.
Toothpick - Used to check if the kugelis is fully cooked in the center.
Grater - If not using a food processor, a grater can be used to grate the potatoes and onion.
Knife - Used for peeling and chopping ingredients.
Measuring Cups - To measure the flour, milk, and other ingredients accurately.
Spatula - Used for mixing and transferring the potato mixture.
Butter Knife - To grease the baking dish with butter.

Origin stories

Kugelis is a Lithuanian national dish. Its heartiness and practicality speak volumes about the country's farming culture and hard-working heritage. This dish, which has been passed down from generation to generation, is akin to a potato pudding. But it's not your everyday pudding; this is a savory delight, laced with bits of bacon and onion, then baked to a golden perfection. Traditionally, it was cooked in a wood-fired bread oven, the same one in which the family's rye bread was baked. A staple in any Lithuanian household, Kugelis is a testament to the simple yet rich flavors that the country's cuisine offers. Each bite takes you on a journey across the Lithuanian countryside, from the vast potato fields to the bustling farmers' markets.

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.