Slonie žrádlo
A Czechoslovak spread or salad of unknown origin.
Slonie žrádlo (in Slovakia) or sloní žrádlo (in the Czech Republic) is a Czechoslovak spread or salad whose origins are unknown. The name translates literally to "elephant food," and likely comes from the idea that it is made in large quantities, "as for elephants." The base is a cooked mixture of vegetable oil, ketchup, mustard, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. This is then combined with parizer or ham, eggs, pickled cucumber, and onions, with optional additions like corn, tomatoes, diced hard cheese, and pickled cucumber brine along with mayonnaise. It is typically spread on a slice of veka, fresh bread, or toasted old bread, and is commonly served when guests visit or on New Year's Eve (Silvester).
- type
- Spread or salad
- origin
- Czechoslovakia (unknown origin)
- name meaning
- Elephant food (literally)
- probable name origin
- Linked to quantity 'as for elephants'
- typical serving
- On veka, fresh bread, or toasted old bread
- common occasions
- Visits and New Year's Eve (Silvester)
Quick Facts
- Name Italics
- yes
- Place Of Origin
- unknown
- Region
- CSK Czechoslovakia
- Associated Cuisine
- Slovak cuisine / Czech cuisine
- Served
- cold
- Main Ingredient
- vegetable oil, ketchup, mustard, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, parizer or ham, eggs, pickled cucumber, onions, pickled cucumber brine, mayonnaise
- Minor Ingredient
- corn, fresh tomatoes, hard cheese
- Serving Size
- 100 g
- Calories
- 253
- Protein
- 10
- Fat
- 21.9
- Carbohydrate
- 3.25
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Slonie žrádlo is prepared with a cooked mixture of vegetable oil, ketchup, mustard, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper, which is then mixed with parizer or ham, eggs, pickled cucumber, onions, and optionally corn, tomatoes, diced hard cheese, and pickled cucumber brine with mayonnaise. The dish's name likely derives from the large quantity made, described as 'as for elephants' (ako pre slony).
Reader's Guide
Slonie žrádlo holds a place in Czechoslovak culinary tradition as a versatile and economical spread or salad, often prepared for gatherings and festive occasions like New Year's Eve. Its ingredients are common pantry items, making it accessible and popular. The dish's exact origins remain unknown, but its name and preparation reflect a practical, hearty approach to cooking. It is typically served on bread, either fresh or toasted, and can be adapted with various additions such as corn or cheese. The spread's enduring appeal lies in its simplicity and the ability to feed many people, aligning with its 'elephant food' moniker. Despite its humble components, it remains a recognizable part of regional home cooking.
Did You Know?
- The name 'slonie žrádlo' literally means 'elephant food' in Slovak.
- Its probable name origin is linked to the quantity 'as for elephants' (ako pre slony).
- It is typically served on veka, fresh bread, or toasted old bread.
- It is commonly served during visits and on New Year's Eve (Silvester).
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