📝 About This Recipe
A staple of Hungarian deli culture and home kitchens alike, Körözött is a vibrant, creamy spread that perfectly captures the soul of Magyar cuisine. Traditionally made with Liptauer (sheep's milk curd cheese) and a generous dusting of noble sweet paprika, it offers a complex balance of tangy, smoky, and savory notes. This versatile spread is as comfortable on a sophisticated charcuterie board as it is smeared on a thick slice of crusty rye bread for a quick breakfast.
🥗 Ingredients
The Cheese Base
- 250 grams Sheep's Milk Feta or Bryndza (crumbled finely)
- 250 grams Full-fat Ricotta or Farmer's Cheese (well-drained)
- 100 grams Unsalted Butter (softened to room temperature)
- 2-3 tablespoons Sour Cream (Tejföl) (high fat content preferred)
The Aromatics & Spice
- 2 tablespoons Hungarian Noble Sweet Paprika (high quality is essential for color and flavor)
- 1/2 small Red Onion (minced extremely fine)
- 1 clove Garlic (grated into a paste)
- 1 teaspoon Caraway Seeds (toasted and lightly crushed)
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Mustard Seed
- 1/4 teaspoon Hot Hungarian Paprika (optional, for a spicy kick)
- to taste Salt and Black Pepper (adjust based on the saltiness of the cheese)
Garnish & Serving
- 1 small bunch Fresh Chives (finely chopped)
- 1 piece Green Bell Pepper or Wax Pepper (sliced into rings for garnish)
- 4-5 pieces Radishes (thinly sliced)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Begin by ensuring your butter is very soft and your cheeses are at room temperature; this ensures a smooth, homogenous texture without lumps.
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2
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter using a sturdy spatula or a hand mixer until it is pale and fluffy.
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3
Add the crumbled sheep's milk cheese and the ricotta (or farmer's cheese) to the butter. Mash them together vigorously until the mixture is well combined but still retains a slight rustic texture.
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4
In a small dry pan over medium heat, toast the caraway seeds for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, then lightly crush them in a mortar and pestle to release their oils.
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5
Fold the minced red onion, grated garlic, crushed caraway seeds, and ground mustard into the cheese mixture.
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6
Add the star of the show: the Hungarian sweet paprika. Sift it over the cheese if it looks clumpy to ensure an even, vibrant orange hue.
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7
Stir in the sour cream one tablespoon at a time. The goal is a spreadable consistency that isn't runny—it should hold its shape on a cracker.
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8
Add the hot paprika if you prefer a bit of heat, then season with black pepper. Taste before adding salt, as sheep's cheeses can be quite salty on their own.
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9
Once thoroughly mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This 'resting' period is crucial for the flavors of the onion, garlic, and paprika to meld.
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10
Before serving, remove from the fridge for 15 minutes to soften slightly. Give it one final stir to brighten the colors.
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11
Transfer to a decorative serving bowl and smooth the top with a spoon.
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12
Garnish generously with freshly chopped chives, sliced radishes, and rings of green pepper for a traditional Hungarian presentation.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always use authentic Hungarian paprika (from Kalocsa or Szeged) for the best flavor; generic paprika often lacks the necessary depth and sweetness. If you cannot find sheep's milk cheese, use a dry goat cheese mixed with a bit of extra feta to replicate the tang. To prevent the onion from overpowering the dish, rinse the minced onion under cold water and pat dry before adding it to the cheese. For a perfectly smooth version, you can pass the farmer's cheese through a fine-mesh sieve before mixing. Körözött actually tastes better the next day, so feel free to make it 24 hours in advance.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve as a dip with sturdy rye bread, sourdough toast, or traditional Hungarian 'Pogácsa' biscuits. Use it as a filling for hollowed-out snack peppers or celery stalks for a low-carb appetizer. Pair with a glass of crisp Hungarian Furmint or a dry Rosé to cut through the richness of the cheese. Include it on a 'Hidegtál' (Hungarian cold plate) alongside smoked sausages, hard-boiled eggs, and fresh tomatoes. Spread a thin layer inside a ham and cheese sandwich for an incredible flavor upgrade.