Written by Klara Trikacova
Potato Burian is a recipe from the Hlinecko area in the Pardubice Region, which has been passed down through many generations since the 18th century. Back then most people in the lower class worked on a field or in an orchard, so agriculture prospered quite well. That is why apples and potatoes were one of the easiest ingredients to obtain. They weren’t too expensive to buy on the market.
People tried to come up with many different recipes which contained either apples or potatoes. This eventually led to the idea of combining the two ingredients and creating one of the most iconic foods in Pardubice Region. It was served not only in typical villages but also in bigger cities and some other parts of the kingdom as well.
Nowadays the recipe is not as popular as it was several centuries ago. But some families consider it to be their family heirloom and that is why they try to keep the tradition of the recipe alive and well known in their region. Sometimes, it is still possible to see this food on the menu of some older and traditional restaurants in the Pardubice Region. Mostly in Hlinecko area where the Potato Burian was supposedly first made and tasted.
For more information about the Pardubice Region, from which this recipe comes, click here.
2 lbs russet potatoes
3 medium-sized apples
3/4 cup semolina flour
1 1/2 cups milk
1 large egg
salt to taste
lard, oil, or butter for greasing the sides of a bowl
Put the potatoes in a saucepan and fill the pan halfway with cold water. Bring the water to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer for about 5 minutes until fork tender. Let the potatoes cool for a minute. Meanwhile, wash and grate the apples and then put them in a large bowl. Add the semolina flour and milk to the bowl along with a pinch of salt and whisk in a whole egg.
Take the cooled potatoes and peel them, and then grate them into the large bowl and mix with the other ingredients just until a dough forms.
Preheat the oven to 360F. Pour the dough into a greased casserole dish and bake it for about 30 minutes depending on what kind of oven you use.
The Potatoes Burian is best served warm and with a slice of apple on top.
TIP: Cook the potatoes one day ahead for a better taste.
