Hungarian Carnival Season Snacks: 3 Delicious Recipes for Farsang
The Carnival season in Hungary is in full swing as farsang kicks off on Epiphany (6 January) and continues until Ash Wednesday. This festive period is filled with masquerade balls, parades, and lively celebrations, as well as an array of delectable Hungarian snacks to indulge in before the Lenten fast. From traditional pogácsa linked to folk superstitions to golden fried doughnuts, Hungarian snacks play a significant role in the Carnival festivities, adding a touch of rich flavors and unique culinary traditions.
Pogácsa, often considered the ultimate Hungarian snack, holds a special place in the hearts of many during this season. Families used to bake these savory pastries with a twist – each piece marked with a goose feather for a family member, with burnt feathers believed to bring ill fortune. Even the customs around geese, like tickling their butts to encourage egg-laying, were intertwined with traditions on St Paul’s Day. For those eager to try making pogácsa at home, here is a simple recipe to follow:
Ingredients:
– 220 g fine flour
– 220 g bread flour bl80
– 125 g butter (room temperature)
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 egg yolk
– 0.2 l sour cream
– 70 ml milk
– 25 g yeast
– 0.5 tbsp sugar
– 150 g cheese (3 kinds, mixed)
Preparation:
1. Warm milk, add sugar and yeast, let it activate for 10 minutes.
2. Sift flours into a mixing bowl, add salt, butter, egg yolk, and sour cream.
3. Add activated yeast mixture and knead into a smooth dough.
4. Let the dough rise, roll it out, sprinkle cheese, and roll up.
5. Rest, roll, and repeat process for flakier pastry.
6. Cut out pogácsa shapes, sprinkle with cheese, and bake at 180°C.
Apart from pogácsa, doughnuts are also an essential part of Hungarian Carnival snacks. Two popular recipes include a traditional Carnival doughnut and a unique bell doughnut with a special shape. Whether you prefer the classic or something different, these doughnuts are must-try treats during this festive season. Here are the recipes for both:
Traditional Carnival Doughnut:
Ingredients:
– 500 g fine flour
– 25 g fresh yeast
– 1 tbsp sugar
– 1 tbsp rum
– 350 ml milk
– 1 egg
– 750 g lard
Preparation:
1. Activate yeast in warm milk with sugar, add to flour mixture with egg and rum.
2. Knead into a smooth dough, let rise, roll out, shape, and let rise again.
3. Fry in hot lard until golden brown, serve warm with jam.
Bell Doughnut:
Ingredients:
– 450g plain flour
– 4 eggs
– 3 tbsp milk
– 2 tbsp rum
– 2 tbsp sugar
– Pinch of salt
– 500ml sunflower oil
Preparation:
1. Mix eggs, flour, milk, sugar, rum, and salt.
2. Rest dough, roll out, cut shapes, and fry until crispy.
3. Dust with icing sugar and enjoy warm.
Indulge in these scrumptious Hungarian snacks during the Carnival season and immerse yourself in the rich flavors and culinary traditions that make this time of year truly special. Happy snacking!
