Description
If you’ve never had Haluski, you’re in for a serious comfort food moment. This classic Eastern European dish is all about buttery egg noodles tossed with tender sautéed cabbage and onions. Simple? Absolutely. Satisfying? Even more so. It’s the kind of old-school recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Traditionally a Lenten meal in Polish and Slovak homes, Haluski is hearty enough to stand on its own but also makes a killer side dish for roasts or sausages. Best part? It’s budget-friendly, requires basic ingredients, and comes together with very little fuss. Once you try it, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it for every potluck, cozy dinner, or quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
For the Noodles and Cabbage:
1 medium head green cabbage, cored and sliced thin
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
12 ounces wide egg noodles
6 tablespoons butter (more if you want it extra rich)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-ins:
4–6 slices bacon, chopped and cooked crisp
Kielbasa sausage, sliced and browned
A sprinkle of caraway seeds for a more traditional vibe
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Egg Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package directions until just al dente. Drain and set aside. Drizzle a tiny bit of olive oil over the noodles to prevent sticking if needed.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
While the noodles are cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven. Add the sliced onions and cook them slowly, stirring often, until they are soft, translucent, and beginning to caramelize. This should take about 8–10 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Cabbage
Once the onions are soft, add the sliced cabbage to the skillet. It will seem like a lot, but the cabbage will shrink down as it cooks. Sprinkle with a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the cabbage is tender and starting to turn golden in spots, about 15–20 minutes. If the skillet seems dry at any point, add a little more butter or a splash of water to help it along.
Step 4: Combine Noodles and Cabbage
Once the cabbage is tender and slightly caramelized, add the cooked egg noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly. Add the remaining butter (about 4 tablespoons) and stir until the butter melts and coats everything beautifully. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Step 5: Optional Additions
If you are using bacon or kielbasa, stir them in now so they can warm through. A sprinkle of caraway seeds can also be added if you like that traditional flavor. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Haluski hot, either on its own as a simple meal or as a hearty side dish alongside roasted meats, sausages, or a big green salad.
Notes
Haluski makes an amazing side for grilled kielbasa, roasted pork, or even simple baked chicken. To make it a meal all on its own, toss in cooked bacon, ham, or sausage. Serve it with a crisp green salad and crusty bread for a full, comforting dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~320 calories Per serving
- Protein: ~8g per serving