Czech Potato Dumplings (Knedlíky)
Knedlíky, or Czech Potato Dumplings, is a cherished recipe passed down through generations from my Bohemian great-grandparents. My grandfather prepared these delightful dumplings every Christmas and Thanksgiving, pairing them with succulent roasts and tangy sauerkraut. Their unique texture and mild potato flavor are perfect for soaking up flavorful au jus gravies, making them an essential companion to any roasted meat. This recipe is a wonderful way to bring family together in the kitchen—you'll appreciate the beauty of making these dumplings with a friend, as it can be a labor of love. Though the preparation involves several steps, the dumplings reward you with their comforting taste, especially on the second day when they are even better! Prepare a big batch and enjoy this traditional Czech delicacy year-round.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Potatoes
8-10 (Peeled and grated)
Salt
1 tablespoon (Sprinkled over potatoes)
Baking Powder
1 teaspoon (Mixed in with flour)
Flour
3 cups (as needed) (For thickening the potato mixture)
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling the potatoes and placing them in a food processor.
2
Grate the potatoes using the food processor and then transfer the grated potatoes into a large bowl.
3
In a separate pot, bring two pots of salted water to a boil, ensuring it's at a temperature between simmering and rolling.
4
Once the potatoes are in the bowl, squeeze or pour off as much liquid as possible, then put the drained potatoes back into the food processor. Blend until the potatoes are smooth and slightly liquefied.
5
Transfer the liquefied potatoes into a mixing bowl, then sprinkle with one tablespoon of salt and mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon.
6
Next, add one teaspoon of baking powder and one cup of flour, mixing until well combined.
7
Continue to add flour gradually until the mixture reaches a thick, moldable consistency. The mix should be thick enough to scoop with a wooden spoon and slowly release when held upside down.
8
Warm the wooden spoon in hot water before using it to scoop the dumpling mixture. Place each scoop into the simmering water, allowing it to cook for several minutes until it easily releases from the spoon.
9
Reduce the heat to medium and let the dumplings cook for approximately 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking.
10
Once cooked, remove the dumplings from the water and strain them, placing them in a bowl.
11
For serving, Knedlíky are versatile—enjoy them as is, with scrambled eggs, or dip them in your favorite gravy.
12
For a festive touch during Thanksgiving and Christmas, add about a cup of liquid from your roasted meat to the gravy, soak the dumplings, and warm them in the oven to absorb the savory flavors.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Czech Potato Dumplings?
Known as Knedlíky, these are traditional Bohemian potato dumplings often served as a side dish with roasted meats and sauerkraut.
How many potatoes are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 8 to 10 potatoes, which should be peeled and grated.
What are the primary ingredients?
The four main ingredients are potatoes, salt, baking powder, and flour.
How much salt is used?
One tablespoon of salt is sprinkled over and mixed into the liquefied potatoes.
What is the role of baking powder?
One teaspoon of baking powder is mixed with the flour to help achieve the desired texture.
How much flour should I add?
The recipe calls for approximately 3 cups of flour, added gradually until the mixture is thick and moldable.
How do I prepare the potatoes?
Peel and grate them in a food processor, drain the excess liquid, then blend them again until smooth and liquefied.
Why must I drain the potatoes?
Squeezing or pouring off the liquid ensures the dough reaches the correct thick consistency without requiring excessive flour.
What is the correct consistency for the dough?
The mixture should be thick enough to scoop with a wooden spoon and slowly release when held upside down.
How do I cook the dumplings?
Scoop the mixture into simmering salted water and boil for approximately 25 minutes.
How do I keep the dough from sticking to the spoon?
Warming the wooden spoon in the hot water before scooping the mixture helps it release more easily.
What should the water temperature be for boiling?
The water should be kept at a temperature between simmering and a rolling boil.
Do I need to stir the dumplings while they boil?
Yes, stir occasionally to prevent the dumplings from sticking to each other or the pot.
What is the best way to serve Knedlíky?
They are best served with roasts, sauerkraut, or dipped in gravy; they can even be enjoyed with scrambled eggs.
How are they prepared for holiday meals?
For Thanksgiving or Christmas, soak the dumplings in gravy mixed with roasted meat liquid and warm them in the oven.
Can these be made in advance?
Yes, these dumplings are known to be even better on the second day.
What tools are required for this recipe?
You will need a food processor for the potatoes, a large mixing bowl, a wooden spoon, and two pots for boiling.
Is this a family recipe?
Yes, this is a cherished Bohemian recipe passed down through generations from great-grandparents.
How many servings does this make?
While servings aren't specified, it uses 8-10 potatoes and is intended for large family gatherings like Christmas.
Can I use these to soak up gravy?
Yes, their mild potato flavor and unique texture make them perfect for soaking up flavorful au jus and gravies.
What is the texture of the dumplings?
They have a unique, comforting texture that is both soft and dense enough to hold up in sauces.
Should the potatoes be blended until liquid?
Yes, after draining the grated potatoes, they should be blended until they are smooth and slightly liquefied.
How do I know when to stop adding flour?
Stop adding flour when the dough is thick enough to hold its shape on a spoon but still moist.
Is it better to make this with someone else?
The recipe recommends making it with a friend as it can be a labor of love with several steps.
What heat level should I use for boiling?
Once the dumplings are in, reduce the heat to medium for the 25-minute cooking duration.
What do I do after the 25 minutes are up?
Remove the dumplings from the water and strain them before placing them in a serving bowl.
Is this recipe part of a specific cuisine?
Yes, it is a staple of traditional Czech cuisine.
Can I make these dumplings year-round?
Absolutely, although they are traditional for holidays, they can be enjoyed as a comfort food any time of year.
How much meat liquid should be added to the gravy?
Adding about a cup of liquid from roasted meat to the gravy is recommended for a festive touch.
Are these dumplings difficult to make?
They involve several steps and are described as a labor of love, but the rewarding taste is worth the effort.