Liptovské droby are a traditional kind of sausages with potato filling made in the area of Liptov using traditional methods. They are made from spiced potato filling mixed with cracklings, onion and garlic, stuffed into bovine or pork natural casings. You can order them in good restaurants or buy them at selected stores and prepare them easily at home whenever you feel like it. In 2021, Liptovské droby were designated a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) by the EU.

Droby would not exist without „švábka“

Liptovské droby has been served at various celebrations, fairs and feasts as a favourite delicacy of locals for centuries. It all started with the arrival of potatoes in the territory of Slovakia. By the middle of the 18^th century, potatoes began to be grown in Liptov and have been commonly called “švábka” ever since.

Mashed potatoes, halušky and Liptovské droby

What prompted the expansion of potato cultivation in Slovakia were the catastrophic grain harvests of 1771 – 1773. Potatoes gradually became one of the main components of the local diet, and earned the nickname “the second bread”.  The area of Liptov used to be an important potato-growing region of Slovakia and was also self-sufficient in breeding stocks, especially pigs and sheep. For economic reasons, it was important for the inhabitants of Liptov to make use of offal.

The traditional diet of the population of Liptov was based on local resources, with potatoes being one of them. They were eaten as an independent main dish, or served with various side dishes. Mashed potatoes, halušky, cakes made of potatoes as well as Liptovské droby were all among the most favourite dishes. Liptovské droby were prepared using peeled potatoes, the crop of which was usually good in Liptov due to the soil type, weather conditions and simplicity of their cultivation.

Get a taste of Liptovské droby, food protected by a geographical indication

In 2021, Liptovské droby were designated a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) by the EU, and has boasted this unique label ever since.

What does PGI guarantee?

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Not all the droby are authentic Liptovské droby

There are countless recipes for droby in Liptov, but in order for droby to achieve a PGI status, only one common recipe needed to be agreed on. The recipe chosen represents the whole Liptov and is a combination of traditional taste and quality of the ingredients used – and that is the reason why “not all the droby are authentic Liptovské droby”.

It is important that we do not forget our roots, our history…

Ján Blcháč, initiator of the idea of applying for the PGI status

Places where you can taste Liptovské droby

Producers of Liptovské droby

What droby are made of – ingredients:

How to recognize the original Liptovské droby

The product has a cylindrical shape. It is 10-25 cm long, 3 to 5 cm in diameter, and weighs 100 -300 g. Once filled to the required length, the casing is tied at the two ends with a wooden skewer. The casing encloses the sausage skin-tight. The filling is made of grated potatoes, ground cracklings, onion, spices and garlic, and has a soft texture. Liptovské droby sausages need to be baked before consumption.

Liptovské droby sausages contain 75 – 85% potatoes, 8 – 10% cracklings, 5% pork lard and a maximum of 1,7% salt. They have a soft consistency and are smooth, moderately moist and clean on the surface. They are light grey on the surface and greyish-yellow when cut. Their aroma and flavour is that of potatoes and spices. Liptovské droby sausages are sold cooked and need to be baked before consumption.

How to prepare delicious Liptovské droby

The classic way of preparing Liptovské droby

Recipes

Do you have your own tried and tested recipe for Liptovské droby you would like to share with the world? Please write us at: liptovskedroby@visitliptov.sk