Description
Frika is a traditional Slovenian potato and cheese hash, combining tender potatoes with flavorful cheeses and aromatic fresh herbs. This dish offers a comforting and savory experience with crispy pancetta or a vegetarian-friendly olive oil base, making it ideal for a hearty breakfast or a satisfying light meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 400 g (1 pound) potatoes
Meat and Oils
- 50 g pancetta, cut into cubes OR 1 tbsp olive oil OR 1 tbsp lard
Cheeses
- 160 g (5.6 oz) semi-hard cheese (Tolminc)
- 50 g (1.8 oz) hard cheese (Tolminc)
Herbs
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs (parsley, oregano, lovage)
Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into small cubes or thin slices to ensure even cooking and a tender texture.
- Cook the pancetta or heat oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the pancetta cubes and sauté until they are crisp and golden. If you prefer a vegetarian option, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or lard instead.
- Add the potatoes: Add the prepared potatoes to the skillet with pancetta or oil and cook, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are golden brown and cooked through, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Incorporate the cheeses: Grate or slice both the semi-hard and hard Tolminc cheeses and add them to the skillet over the potatoes. Stir gently to melt the cheese evenly and combine flavors.
- Season with fresh herbs: Chop the fresh parsley, oregano, and lovage finely, then sprinkle over the cheesy potato mixture. Stir to incorporate the herbs providing fresh, aromatic notes.
- Final cooking: Continue cooking for a few more minutes until the cheese has fully melted and the hash is warmed through, allowing all the flavors to meld perfectly.
- Serve: Transfer the frika to plates and serve warm as a hearty breakfast or savory side dish.
Notes
- You can substitute pancetta with bacon if unavailable, or omit for a vegetarian version using olive oil.
- Tolminc cheese is a traditional Slovenian cheese; if unavailable, other semi-hard and hard cheeses like Gruyère or aged cheddar can be used.
- Adjust herb quantities to your taste preference.
- This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or a poached egg on top for added protein.
Keywords: Frika, potato hash, Slovenian recipe, Tolminc cheese, pancetta, fried potatoes, traditional Slovenian dish