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Handkäs' with Music — traditional dish from Hesse, Germany
Snack Vegetarian

Food Flavour DNA

Nutritional Values

🔥270kcal
💪12gProtein
🌾12gCarbs
🥑18gFat
🌿1gFibre
⚖️200 gServing

* Per serving · 200 g. May vary.

Allergens

🥛 Dairy

Handkäs' with Music

How to order / say it
Say it Handkäs' mit Musik — [Hand-kays mit Moo-zeek]
Order I'd like the Handkäs' mit Musik, please.
Locally Ich hätte gerne das Handkäs' mit Musik, bitte.
Say locally

A sour milk cheese dish marinated with onions, vinegar, and oil.

Why try it?

This dish embodies the rustic Hessian culinary culture, often enjoyed with cider. The reference to 'music' humorously alludes to the digestive noises, adding local charm to its enjoyment in pubs.

How it tastes

Handkäs' is tangy and pungent due to the sour milk base, with a crunchy texture from raw onions. The marinade gives it an acidic, slightly sweet and tangy flavor profile, accentuated by the creamy cheese.

Origin & History — first documented: 1750

The unique name and recipe date back to the 18th century in Hesse. Its simple ingredients and preparation make it a traditional staple in local taverns. Over time, it has become an iconic representation of the rustic, hearty style of eating in Frankfurt.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • 🥛 200 g Handkäse
  • 🧄 50 g Onions
  • 🍋 30 ml Apple cider vinegar
  • 🫒 20 ml Vegetable oil
  • 🧂 1 tsp Caraway seeds
  • 🧂 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 🍯 1/2 tsp Sugar

Method

  1. 1 Thinly slice the onions and mix them with vinegar, oil, salt, and sugar.
  2. 2 Place Handkäse in the mixture and let it marinate for a few hours.
  3. 3 Garnish with caraway seeds before serving.
  4. 4 Serve with rye bread on the side.

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All Europe recipes — Germany — Frankfurt — Handkäs' with Music
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