Schinkenfleckerl

🐳 After an exceptionally windy week, it’s blown over into summer almost overnight. Catch this beached whale at the beach this weekend.

Favorite Food interviews real people about their favorite food.

“I would call it the Austrian mac and cheese."

What I love most about comfort food is the simplicity.

Mac and cheese, margherita pizza, dumplings - all are relatively simple dishes made up of a few ingredients. So naturally, I was excited to try out the classic Austrian comfort food Schinkenfleckerl.

On a cozy Monday night, I met with Marlene Quittan-Bauer for some homemade Schinkenfleckerl. Over a few glasses of wine and a few too many helpings of Schinkenfleckerl, we chat about why simpler is better when it comes to the Austrian mac and cheese.

My favorite food is called “Schinkenfleckerl”.

It is a mix of a certain kind of pasta, onions, ham, and in the “official" version, you would bake it in a kind of sauce consisting of cream and eggs. Some might even put some cheese on top.

Personally, I prefer a simpler version without the sauce. Combine it with a simple green salad on the side and a glass of bubbles - if you feel like it. 🙂

It is a childhood memory, but also the ultimate comfort food for me. It is easy to make and always delicious.

I would call it the Austrian mac and cheese.

For me, not too creamy (this is up for discussion ;-)), the right ratio of pasta & ham, lots of onions, and a simple green salad with apple vinegar on the side.

If you go for the fancier oven-baked version, it should have a crunchy crust on top.

Now I’m getting hungry haha.

Apparently, this dish has been around Austria since the 18th century (according to Wikipedia), and you will find it on the menu of many local restaurants. Children love it, and so do grown-ups.

Many Friday nights after a long work week, especially during the pandemic, were spent eating this dish in front of a nice TV show. I recommend a glass of Schlumberger Sekt with it - perfect for a relaxed movie night.

Self-made at home. If that is not an option, you can get good ones at Plachutta (the fancy version) and Thell (formerly known as Motto).

But the good thing about Schinkenfleckerl is that it is almost impossible to get bad ones - so be brave and try them at any random place.

❤️ Vielen Dank Marlene for the very cozy night and dinner.