Pásztortarhonya is a true Hungarian classic, sitting comfortably between the simplicity and richness of rural kitchens. Tarhonya (egg barley), as a staple food, is an extremely nutritious and easy-to-prepare dish, often eaten by Hungarian shepherds while working in the fields. The delicate, eggy taste of tarhonya goes well with meat toppings and perfectly complements vegetables.
Traditionally, Pásztortarhonya is made with smoked meat or sausage, but it can also be prepared with other meats. The simplicity of the dish evokes the charm of rural life for many. The crumbly texture of tarhonya and the rich meaty flavors create a perfect dish that easily makes you forget even the hardest work.
Toast the tarhonya in a little oil until lightly browned. Add water and cook until tender.
Finely chop the onion and garlic and sauté until softened. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned.
Peel and dice the potatoes, then add them to the sausage mixture. Season with Hungarian sweet paprika, salt, and pepper.
Cook until the potatoes are tender, then stir in the cooked tarhonya.
Serve hot with fresh bread.
To provide the best experiences, we and our partners use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us and our partners to process personal data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site and show (non-) personalized ads. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Click below to consent to the above or make granular choices. Your choices will be applied to this site only. You can change your settings at any time, including withdrawing your consent, by using the toggles on the Cookie Policy, or by clicking on the manage consent button at the bottom of the screen.