Zelnicky

Zelnicky Recipe - Traditional Czech Dish with Sauerkraut and Caraway Seeds

Region / culture: Czech Republic | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Zelnicky is a traditional Czech snack that is perfect for enjoying with beer and cheese or alongside a warm bowl of soup. These crispy strips of dough are flavored with sauerkraut and caraway seeds, making them a unique and delicious treat.

History

Zelnicky has been a popular snack in Czech cuisine for generations. The combination of sauerkraut and dough is a classic pairing that has stood the test of time. Originally made as a way to use up leftover sauerkraut, zelnicky has become a beloved snack enjoyed by many.

Ingredients

2 cups sauerkraut, undrained
0.5 cup vegetable shortening
1.75 cups flour
caraway seeds (optional)

How to prepare

Place sauerkraut and its liquid in a large mixing bowl.
Add the shortening and mix well.
Add the flour, and carefully mix with your fingers.
Gather the mixture into a ball.
Lightly flour a pastry board and roll out the dough until it is 0.13 inch thick.
Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into strips measuring 2 x 4 inches.
If desired, sprinkle caraway seeds on the strips.
Place the strips on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake in a preheated oven until lightly browned.
If the zelnicky become too brown, they may taste bitter.
Remove the zelnicky from the oven and immediately transfer them to a cooling rack.
Allow the zelnicky to cool.
Serve the zelnicky as a snack with beer and cheese, or with soup.

Variations

Add cooked bacon or ham to the dough for a meatier version of zelnicky.
Substitute the sauerkraut with caramelized onions for a sweeter flavor.

Notes

Oven tips: If using cushioned baking sheets (double sheets), bake at 375°F (191°C) degrees. If using regular baking sheets, bake at 350°F (177°C)

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to mix the dough well to ensure that the sauerkraut is evenly distributed.

- Keep an eye on the zelnicky while they are baking to prevent them from becoming too brown.

- For a twist on the traditional recipe, try adding different herbs or spices to the dough.

Serving Suggestions

Serve zelnicky with beer and cheese for a traditional Czech snack, or enjoy them alongside a bowl of hot soup.

Cooking Techniques

Roll out the dough thinly to ensure that the zelnicky are crispy and light.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have sauerkraut, you can use pickled cabbage or kimchi as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough for zelnicky ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake them.

Presentation Ideas

Serve zelnicky on a platter with a variety of cheeses and meats for a beautiful and delicious spread.

Pairing Recommendations

Zelnicky pairs well with a cold beer or a glass of white wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover zelnicky in an airtight container at room temperature. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for a few minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of zelnicky contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of zelnicky contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of zelnicky contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of zelnicky contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Zelnicky is a good source of vitamin C and iron due to the sauerkraut.

Alergens

Zelnicky contains wheat and may contain traces of soy.

Summary

Zelnicky is a tasty snack that is relatively low in calories and provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Summary

Zelnicky is a delightful Czech snack that is easy to make and full of flavor. Whether enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger spread, zelnicky is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Zelnicky. It was handed down to me by my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins, many years ago. Mrs. Jenkins was a wonderful cook who had a knack for creating delicious dishes from simple ingredients. She had learned how to make Zelnicky from her grandmother, who had brought the recipe with her from the old country.

Mrs. Jenkins was kind enough to share the recipe with me when I first expressed interest in learning how to make it. I remember sitting at her kitchen table, watching in awe as she expertly rolled out the dough and filled it with a savory mixture of cabbage, onions, and ground pork. The aroma that filled the room as the Zelnicky baked in the oven was absolutely heavenly.

As Mrs. Jenkins shared the recipe with me, she explained the history behind it. Zelnicky, she told me, was a traditional dish that had been enjoyed by her family for generations. It was a staple in Czech cuisine, where it was often served as a hearty meal to feed hungry farmers after a long day of work in the fields.

I was intrigued by the story behind Zelnicky and eager to learn how to make it myself. Mrs. Jenkins patiently guided me through each step of the recipe, demonstrating how to mix the dough, prepare the filling, and shape the Zelnicky into perfect little bundles. She showed me how to crimp the edges of the dough together to seal in the delicious filling and create a beautiful, golden crust.

I was amazed at how simple the recipe was, yet how incredibly flavorful the end result turned out to be. The combination of tender dough and savory filling was truly a match made in culinary heaven. Mrs. Jenkins assured me that with a little practice, I would soon be able to make Zelnicky as well as she did.

I began to experiment with the recipe in my own kitchen, tweaking the filling to suit my own tastes and preferences. I added extra spices and herbs to give the Zelnicky a bit of a kick, and sometimes I even substituted the ground pork for other meats like chicken or beef. Each time I made a batch of Zelnicky, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment in carrying on the tradition that Mrs. Jenkins had so graciously shared with me.

As the years passed, Zelnicky became a beloved staple in my own family's meal rotation. My children grew up enjoying the comforting flavors of this traditional dish, and they often requested it for special occasions and family gatherings. I was always happy to oblige, knowing that I was passing down a piece of culinary history to the next generation.

Now, as I look back on the many years that have passed since I first learned how to make Zelnicky, I am grateful for the friendship and generosity of Mrs. Jenkins. She not only taught me how to make a delicious dish, but she also instilled in me a love and appreciation for the art of cooking. I will always cherish the memories of our time together in the kitchen, sharing stories and laughter as we baked batch after batch of Zelnicky to perfection.

And so, whenever I make Zelnicky now, I am reminded of Mrs. Jenkins and the bond that we shared over a shared love of food and tradition. I am grateful for her guidance and wisdom, and I am proud to carry on the legacy of this timeless recipe for future generations to enjoy. For me, Zelnicky will always hold a special place in my heart as a symbol of friendship, tradition, and the joy of sharing good food with those we love.