Lángos: Hungarian Fried Bread with Garlic and Sour Cream

Lángos: Hungarian Fried Bread with Garlic and Sour Cream

Lángos is Hungary's street food treat: potato yeasted dough fried in oil, rubbed with raw garlic and spread with sour cream. This is Hungary's answer to pizza — hot, rich and unforgettable.

History of the dish

Lángos has been known in Hungary since the 19th century. Peasants fried dough in the morning fat after pig slaughter. The word comes from Hungarian 'láng' — flame. Today lángos is a fixture at Hungarian markets and Lake Balaton beaches.

Key ingredients

Dough: boiled potato (mashed), flour, yeast, salt, warm milk. To serve: sour cream or thick yoghurt, grated raw garlic, hard cheese (optional), salt.

How to cook at home

The dough should be soft and slightly sticky. Prove for 1 hour. Stretch by hand to 5–7 mm thickness (not a rolling pin — it tears). Fry in oil for 3–4 minutes each side. Serve immediately while hot.