👩🍳 Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Paprika Potato Base:
- Heat oil or lard in a large skillet or deep pan.
- Add onions and sauté until golden.
- Remove pan from heat briefly and stir in paprika (so it doesn’t burn).
- Add diced potatoes, season with salt & pepper, and toss to coat with paprika.
- Cook Potatoes:
- Add water/broth to just cover the potatoes.
- Simmer covered on low heat until potatoes are tender and most liquid is absorbed (about 15–20 minutes).
- Lightly mash some of the potatoes to create a creamy texture.
- Combine with Pasta:
- Add cooked pasta to the potato mixture and toss until well coated and heated through.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot, with a sprinkle of extra paprika or cracked black pepper.
- Some people like to add a dollop of sour cream on top.
- For a rustic version, add fried bacon bits (szalonna) on top for extra flavor.
💡 Tips & Variations
- Garlicky Twist: Add 1–2 minced garlic cloves with the onions.
- Spicy Version: Use hot paprika or add a pinch of chili flakes.
- Budget Tip: This dish was traditionally a peasant meal — it’s very cheap but satisfying.
Would you like me to give you a step-by-step photo guide or video-style breakdown (to show how the paprika base and potato mixture should look before mixing with the pasta)? It makes it easy to get that perfect consistency.