How to Make Lángos: A Crispy Hungarian Delight

Introduction: Lángos, a beloved Hungarian street food, is a savory deep-fried flatbread that delights taste buds with its crispy exterior and soft interior. Often topped with a variety of flavorful ingredients like sour cream, cheese, cold cuts, sausage, and garlic, Lángos is both affordable and widely popular across Hungary.


Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon instant yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup warm water
Oil for frying
Toppings: sour cream, grated cheese (typically Edam or mozzarella), sliced cold cuts (ham or salami), sausage, chopped garlic or garlic butter, and fresh herbs (optional)

Instructions:

    Prepare the Dough:

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, and salt.
    Gradually add warm water to the flour mixture, stirring continuously until a sticky dough forms.
    Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
    Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.

    Shape and Fry the Lángos:

    Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 6-8 equal portions.
    Roll each portion into a ball and then flatten it into a disk or oval shape (about 1/4 inch thick).
    Heat oil in a deep frying pan or skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 180°C).
    Fry each piece of dough for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

    Serve and Enjoy:

    While still warm, top each Lángos with a generous spread of sour cream.
    Sprinkle grated cheese over the sour cream.
    Add slices of cold cuts, sausage, and chopped garlic or garlic butter.
    Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

    Variations:

    Sweet Lángos: Replace savory toppings with powdered sugar, Nutella, or jam.
    Vegetarian Lángos: Skip meat toppings and add fresh vegetables like tomatoes, lettuce, and cucumbers.


Conclusion: Lángos embodies the essence of Hungarian street food culture—simple, affordable, and incredibly delicious. Whether enjoyed plain or adorned with a myriad of toppings, Lángos offers a delightful culinary experience that is cherished by locals and visitors alike in Hungary.

Note: Remember to enjoy Lángos fresh and hot for the best experience!