Kötiteni

Kötiteni is a traditional Hungarian dish consisting of small, often intricately shaped dumplings or pasta, typically served with a savory sauce or stew. The preparation of kötiteni varies regionally and from family to family, but common ingredients include flour, eggs, and sometimes a small amount of water or milk to form a dough. This dough is then shaped by hand into small, bite-sized pieces. Some variations involve pressing the dough through a sieve or cutting it into specific patterns, contributing to its unique texture and appearance.

The dumplings are usually boiled in salted water until they float to the surface, indicating they are cooked. Kötiteni can be served as a side dish or as a main course, often accompanying rich meat stews like goulash or paprikash. They can also be served with melted butter and breadcrumbs, or a sweet topping like poppy seeds or fruit compote, though savory preparations are more common. The texture of cooked kötiteni is typically tender with a slight chewiness. Its simplicity and versatility have made it a staple in Hungarian cuisine, especially in rural areas where it is a comforting and economical meal.