A guide to the world of Hungarian pastry II. – savoury edition

Just stop for a minute and imagine this: you are walking on the street – maybe you have an important appointment to get to, perhaps someone is waiting for you, in any case, you do not want to be late. But then you smell something amazing, and you cannot do anything but stop, turn around and go into the nearby bakery. Well, welcome to the world of Hungarian pastries. After last week’s introduction to sweet Hungarian pastries, now it is time for the savoury edition.

Just like in the case of the sweet Hungarian treats, savoury pastries are also very diverse, with all kinds of flavouring and fillings. Sour cream and cottage cheese are very often present in these snacks, while poppyseed is also a top contender. Leek and potatoes add to the delicious tastes and textures of our great pastries. Something every Hungarian knows is the delightful pogácsa that comes in many shapes and forms, and can be made from various ingredients – check out the recipe here.

Cheese sticks (sajtos stangli)

An everyday favourite is the cheese sticks. They are popular because they are really easy to make at home in just a short amount of time, while also tasting amazing. They are also available in most bakeries, in various forms. Either several tiny portions or one bigger cheese stick, you will not be disappointed.

The main ingredients are cottage cheese, some flour, salt, cheese, butter and one egg. The result is true crispy deliciousness. Sometimes you can find sesame seeds on top of them, which adds a bit of extra flair to this snack. They are often on the menu at family gatherings or when guests are expected, as something simple to munch on before or after the main course. Be careful, though – it is very easy to fill up on these.