Csirkés Tócsni is a delicious Hungarian dish that combines the classic Hungarian potato pancake (tócsni) with the addition of chicken. It’s a flavorful, crispy dish that can be enjoyed as a main or a hearty side.
Here’s a simple recipe for Csirkés Tócsni (Chicken Potato Pancakes):
Ingredients:
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and grated
- 1 small chicken breast (about 1/2 lb / 225g), cooked and shredded (you can also use rotisserie chicken)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp baking powder (optional, for fluffier pancakes)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter (for frying)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Cook the chicken breast by boiling, grilling, or pan-frying until fully cooked. Once cooled, shred the chicken into small pieces.
2. Grate the Potatoes:
- Peel and grate the potatoes. After grating, place them into a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out any excess water to prevent the tócsni from becoming soggy.
3. Make the Batter:
- In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes, shredded chicken, finely chopped onion, eggs, flour, baking powder (if using), paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it forms a thick batter. If the mixture seems too loose, you can add a bit more flour to reach the right consistency.
4. Fry the Tócsni:
- Heat the oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Take spoonfuls of the mixture and drop them into the hot skillet, pressing down slightly to form pancakes. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Once done, remove the tócsni from the skillet and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
5. Serve:
- Serve your Csirkés Tócsni hot, with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, or a side of a simple salad.
Tips:
- Add Vegetables: You can also add grated carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers to the batter for extra flavor and texture.
- Cheese Option: Adding a bit of grated cheese (like mozzarella or a mild cheddar) to the batter can make the tócsni even more savory.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve it with a tangy sauce like garlic yogurt or a spicy ketchup for dipping.
Enjoy your Csirkés Tócsni — it’s a comforting, savory dish with the perfect balance of crispy and tender!