Túrós Csusza

Step 1

Place the bacon strips flat on a cutting board and slice crosswise into 0.5-inch-wide pieces, like cutting a pencil into small segments.

Step 2

Measure out the crumbled curd cheese into a bowl and set it beside the stove so it is ready to add quickly.

Step 3

Fill a large pot with water and place it on high heat until you see large rolling bubbles breaking the surface, about 10 minutes.

Step 4

Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the boiling water, then pour in the egg noodles and stir with a wooden spoon for 30 seconds to prevent sticking.

Step 5

Cook the noodles, stirring once every 2 minutes, until a single noodle bends easily when you pick it up with a fork but still has a slight firmness when you bite it, about 8 minutes.

Step 6

While the noodles cook, place a large skillet over medium heat and add the 6 bacon pieces in a single layer.

Step 7

Cook the bacon, stirring with a wooden spoon every 30 seconds, until the edges are dark brown and crispy and the fat looks translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 8

Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside; leave the bacon fat in the skillet.

Step 9

Add the 3 tablespoons of butter to the bacon fat in the skillet over medium heat and let it melt completely, about 1 minute.

Step 10

Pour the 0.5 cup of milk into the melted butter and stir with a whisk for 10 seconds until combined.

Step 11

Add the crumbled curd cheese to the milk mixture and stir constantly with a wooden spoon until the cheese is evenly distributed and creamy, about 2 minutes.

Step 12

Pour the 1 cup of sour cream into the cheese mixture and stir gently until no white streaks remain and the sauce looks smooth and uniform, about 1 minute.

Step 13

Taste the sauce and sprinkle in the 0.25 teaspoon of black pepper, stirring once; add more salt or pepper if needed.

Step 14

Drain the cooked noodles in a colander and rinse briefly under cool running water to remove excess starch, about 20 seconds.

Step 15

Pour the drained noodles directly into the sauce in the skillet and stir gently with a rubber spatula, lifting from the bottom, until every noodle is coated evenly, about 2 minutes.

Step 16

Divide the noodles among four shallow bowls, using tongs to transfer and create a slight mound in the center of each.

Step 17

Scatter the crispy bacon pieces evenly over the top of each bowl of noodles.

Step 18

Drizzle 2 tablespoons of sour cream in a small spiral on top of each bowl and serve immediately while hot.