Indulge in the comforting flavors of Kugeli, a traditional American potato dish. Made with grated potatoes, bacon, onions, and a touch of sour cream, this dish is perfect for chilly winter nights or as a side for your holiday feast. The creamy texture and savory taste will have your family and friends coming back for seconds. Try out this easy-to-follow recipe and enjoy the heartiness of Kugeli.
Ingredients
- 8 large potatoes
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 5 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 4 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Peel and grate the potatoes using a box grater. Place the grated potatoes in a kitchen towel and squeeze out the excess liquid.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated potatoes, chopped onion, crumbled bacon, beaten eggs, sour cream, melted butter, salt, black pepper, nutmeg, and flour. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Pour the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out in an even layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve hot.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired, and enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Kugeli is a popular dish in Lithuanian and Latvian cuisine and was brought to America by Baltic immigrants.
Traditionally, Kugeli was cooked in a cast iron skillet over an open fire, giving it a smoky flavor.
The name Kugeli comes from the Lithuanian word 'kugelis,' which means 'ball' or 'round cake.'