Potato Onion and Bacon Casserole (Lithuanian Kugela)

Lithuanian Kugela is considered to be the national dish. A casserole made of grated potato, onions with bacon bits and drippings. It should be topped with some sour cream of course, as there is simply a love of sour cream on just about everything. Every Lithuanian household has their own recipe secrets for this dish and it is sometime made with chicken and other meats as well. So I guess you would call this your basic Kugela recipe. It is hearty and if you like bacon and potatoes, you will absolutely love this dish.

1 lb bacon, diced
1 large onion, grated
5 lbs russet potatoes, finely grated, and soaked in water
½ cup all-purpose flour, unbleached
1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
6 eggs
sea salt
black pepper, freshly ground

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C/170°C fan, Gas Mark 5). Grease a 9x13" baking dish.

In a large skillet over medium heat, fry bacon pieces until crisp; remove to paper towels. Reserve half of bacon drippings, and set aside.

Return skillet to stove; stir onions, and cook until soft and translucent.

In a large bowl, stir together reserved drippings, bacon, onion, and potatoes. Mix in flour, evaporated milk, and eggs. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Pour into baking dish, and bake in a preheated oven until top is nicely brown, about 1 hour.

Cut into squares, and serve with sour cream.

Makes 8 servings.