Halver Hahn: Rye roll with Gouda cheese and mustard.
Halver Hahn is a simple yet traditional German snack which translates to 'half a rooster' despite not containing any poultry. It's a comfort dish from the Cologne region, featuring a hearty rye roll sliced and served with a thick slice of aged Gouda cheese. The cheese is often complemented with a generous dollop of sharp mustard, onions, and pickles on the side. This snack is famously paired with a cold beer, particularly Kölsch, and is a staple in pubs and casual dining spots across the region. It's known for its satisfying combination of flavors and textures, from the sour tang of the mustard to the rich butteriness of the cheese.
Hallo und willkommen to a taste of traditional German cuisine! The Halver Hahn is a beloved classic in German pub food. Contrary to what the name might suggest, it does not involve chicken (Hahn means rooster in German). Instead, it's a hearty combination of rye roll, cheese, and a few simple but flavor-enhancing condiments. Perfect for a quick lunch or a savory snack, this dish's humble ingredients come together to create something deliciously satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 German rye roll (Röggelchen) or any sturdy rye bread
- 1 thick slice of Gouda cheese (approximately 100 grams)
- Unsalted butter, to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- Optional: thinly sliced raw onions
- Pickles to serve on the side (Gherkins or Cornichons)
---
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1
Equipment: Bread knife, butter knife
Instructions:
1. Begin by carefully slicing the rye roll in half with a bread knife. If using pre-sliced rye bread, you can skip this step.
2. Spread a generous amount of unsalted butter on both halves of the rye roll. The butter should be at room temperature to make it easier to spread.
3. Take the thick slice of Gouda cheese and place it on one half of the bread to cover it completely.
4. If you're adding onions, thinly slice them and place them over the cheese.
5. On the other half of the rye roll, spread a layer of Dijon mustard according to your taste.
6. Sandwich the two halves together, ensuring the cheese and condiments are in the middle.
7. Serve the Halver Hahn with pickles on the side.
This dish needs no cooking and can be prepared in mere minutes, making it perfect for a quick bite or when hosting guests for a casual gathering.
Cooking Tips:
- Use authentic German rye bread (Röggelchen) for the most traditional flavor.
- Aged Gouda can be used for a more intense cheesy flavor.
- Adjust the amount of mustard to suit your taste.
Recipe inspired by der Gerd macht's, which can be found on their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@dergerdmachts.
#halverhahn #traditionalgerman #snacktime #gerdrecipe #cheeseandbread #simple #noreservations #quickmeal #chefcreation #chatgpt
Comments