Authentic German Kartoffelklöße (Potato Dumplings)
This Authentic German Kartoffelklöße recipe brings the traditional flavors of Germany to your kitchen. Passed down from my German co-worker, these potato dumplings are easy to prepare and deliver a pillowy texture that perfectly complements any hearty dish. The surprise of an onion-flavored crouton in the center adds a delightful crunch and depth of flavor, making these dumplings an exceptional side for your favorite meals. Ideal for festive occasions or cozy family dinners, this recipe serves 10 dumplings and is sure to impress both family and friends.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
baking potatoes
6 medium (about 2 lbs) (unpeeled)
flour
1 cup (for the dumpling mixture)
fine dry breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons (for the dumpling mixture)
baking powder
1 teaspoon
salt
1 teaspoon (or to taste)
fresh parsley
1 tablespoon (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley, finely chopped)
nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon
black pepper
to taste
eggs
2 (slightly beaten)
onion-flavored croutons
10
all-purpose flour
for rolling
boiling water
6 cups
salt
2 teaspoons (for boiling water)
butter
3 tablespoons (for browning)
fine dry breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the unpeeled baking potatoes in a pot of boiling salted water for about 30 minutes, or until they are fork-tender but not mushy. Remove from water and allow to cool slightly before peeling while still warm.
2
Once peeled, coarsely mash the potatoes using a potato masher or a potato ricer until smooth.
3
In a separate small bowl, combine the flour, breadcrumbs, baking powder, salt, parsley, nutmeg, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
4
Add the dry mixture to the mashed potatoes and blend thoroughly. Finally, stir in the slightly beaten eggs until everything is well mixed.
5
Using floured hands, shape the potato mixture into 10 uniform balls, carefully inserting an onion-flavored crouton into the center of each ball.
6
Dust the formed dumplings lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
7
In a Dutch oven, bring 6 cups of water to a boil and add 2 teaspoons of salt. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
8
Using a spoon, carefully drop the dumplings into the simmering water. Cover the pot and let them cook undisturbed for about 20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
9
After 20 minutes, test a dumpling by inserting a toothpick—if it comes out clean, they are done. Remove the dumplings using a large slotted spoon and place them on a serving platter.
10
In a small saucepan, melt and heat the butter until it turns lightly browned, then stir in the half cup of breadcrumbs. Pour this buttery breadcrumb mixture over the dumplings just before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Kartoffelklöße?
Kartoffelklöße are traditional German potato dumplings known for their pillowy texture and savory flavor.
What type of potatoes should I use for German potato dumplings?
Baking potatoes are ideal for this recipe, specifically about 2 pounds or 6 medium-sized potatoes.
How long do the potatoes need to boil?
The unpeeled potatoes should be cooked in boiling salted water for about 30 minutes until fork-tender.
Should I peel the potatoes before boiling them?
No, you should cook them unpeeled and then peel them while they are still warm for the best texture.
What is the surprise ingredient inside these dumplings?
Each dumpling contains an onion-flavored crouton in the center for added crunch and depth.
How many dumplings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to produce 10 uniform potato dumplings.
What is the best way to mash the potatoes?
You can use either a standard potato masher or a potato ricer to ensure the potatoes are smooth.
What dry ingredients are mixed into the dough?
The dough includes flour, fine dry breadcrumbs, baking powder, salt, parsley, nutmeg, and black pepper.
Why is nutmeg used in the recipe?
Nutmeg provides a traditional aromatic flavor that is characteristic of authentic German potato dishes.
How many eggs are required for the mixture?
The recipe calls for 2 slightly beaten eggs to bind the potato mixture together.
How do I prevent the dough from sticking to my hands?
It is recommended to use floured hands when shaping the potato mixture into balls.
Why should I dust the formed dumplings with flour?
Lightly dusting the dumplings with flour helps prevent them from sticking to each other or surfaces before cooking.
How much water is needed to simmer the dumplings?
You should bring 6 cups of water to a boil in a Dutch oven for the simmering process.
How much salt goes into the simmering water?
Add 2 teaspoons of salt to the boiling water before reducing it to a simmer.
How long do the dumplings need to simmer?
The dumplings should cook undisturbed in simmering water for approximately 20 minutes.
Can I check on the dumplings while they simmer?
It is important not to lift the lid while the dumplings are cooking to maintain the correct temperature and steam.
How can I tell if the dumplings are done?
Test a dumpling by inserting a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the dumplings are finished.
What is the traditional topping for Kartoffelklöße?
They are typically topped with a mixture of browned butter and fine dry breadcrumbs.
How do I prepare the breadcrumb garnish?
Melt 3 tablespoons of butter until lightly browned, then stir in a half cup of fine dry breadcrumbs.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these Authentic German Kartoffelklöße are a vegetarian-friendly side dish.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley with 1 teaspoon of dried parsley.
What tool should I use to remove the dumplings from the water?
A large slotted spoon is best for carefully removing the dumplings and draining excess water.
What kind of texture do these dumplings have?
They have a light, pillowy texture that perfectly complements hearty gravy-based dishes.
What role does baking powder play in the recipe?
Baking powder helps the dumplings achieve their characteristic light and airy structure.
How much flour is used in the dumpling mixture?
The recipe requires 1 cup of flour for the main potato mixture, plus extra for rolling.
What are the total number of ingredients needed?
The recipe utilizes 15 distinct ingredients, including seasonings and the garnish.
Can these be served at festive occasions?
Yes, they are ideal for festive holidays or cozy family dinners.
What type of croutons are recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for 10 onion-flavored croutons for the centers.
Where does this recipe originate?
This is an authentic German recipe passed down from a German coworker to bring traditional flavors to your kitchen.
When should the butter mixture be added?
The buttery breadcrumb mixture should be poured over the dumplings immediately before serving.