Kugela

"Ah, Kugela! The national dish of Lithuania! What celebration would be complete without it? Remember, Kugela is an art, not just a recipe. Experiment with ingredients and techniques to make your own Kugela statement. Serve with a dollop of sour cream, if you like."

• Ready In: 1 hr 30 mins
• Serves: 10

Ingredients

• 1  lb bacon, diced
• 1  large onion, grated
• 5  lbs russet potatoes, finely grated, and soaked in water
• 1⁄2 cup flour
• 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
• 6  eggs
•  salt and pepper
•  sour cream (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
2. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, fry bacon pieces until crisp; remove to drain on paper towels.
4. Reserve half of bacon drippings, and set aside.
5. Return skillet to stove; stir onions, and cook until soft and translucent.
6. In a large bowl, stir together reserved drippings, bacon, onion, and potatoes.
7. Mix in flour, evaporated milk, and eggs.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Pour into baking dish.
10. Bake in a preheated oven until top is nicely brown, about 1 hour.
11. Cut into squares and serve with sour cream, if desired.