Galuska – Hungarian Dumplings 🍽️🇭🇺
Galuska are small, soft dumplings—sometimes called Hungarian spaetzle—that are traditionally served with stews like goulash or sautéed with butter as a side dish. They’re tender, slightly chewy, and soak up sauces beautifully.
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4)
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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2 large eggs
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½ cup water (adjust as needed)
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½ tsp salt
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1–2 Tbsp butter (for tossing after cooking, optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
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Make the dough
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In a large bowl, whisk eggs, water, and salt together.
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Gradually add flour and mix until a sticky, thick batter forms.
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The dough should be thicker than pancake batter but soft enough to drop off a spoon.
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Boil dumplings
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Using a spaetzle maker, colander with large holes, or a knife, press or cut small pieces of dough into the boiling water.
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Cook until done
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Dumplings are ready when they float to the surface (about 2–3 minutes).
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Use a slotted spoon to remove and drain.
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Optional: sauté
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Toss cooked dumplings in melted butter for extra flavor and softness.
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Serve
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Serve immediately with Hungarian stews like beef goulash, mushroom sauce, or sautéed cabbage.
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🌟 Pro Tips
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Consistency: The dough should be sticky but not runny; add a little extra flour or water to adjust.
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Cutting dumplings: Traditional galuska are small and irregular—don’t worry about uniformity.
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Make ahead: Cooked dumplings can be stored in the fridge for a day; sauté in butter before serving to refresh.
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Sauce absorption: Dumplings are best served immediately—they soak up sauce quickly.
🔄 Variations
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Herbed galuska: Add 1 tsp chopped fresh parsley or dill to the dough.
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Cheesy galuska: Stir in ¼ cup grated Parmesan or Hungarian Trappista cheese before boiling.
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Vegan version: Replace eggs with ½ cup aquafaba (chickpea water) and slightly more flour.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
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With Hungarian beef goulash
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Tossed with melted butter and breadcrumbs
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As a side for chicken paprikash or mushroom stew
I can also provide a step-by-step method for perfectly soft galuska without a spaetzle maker, which uses just a cutting board and knife—super easy for home cooks.