Kreplach Bechamel: Savory Beef Dumplings
Indulge in this exquisite homemade Kreplach, a delicious beef-filled dumpling that boasts a delightful combination of flavors and textures. These tender parcels can be boiled in rich chicken soup, enhancing the broth's flavor, or they can be fried until golden brown for a crispy, savory side dish or starter. This versatile dish draws from traditional Jewish cuisine and is perfect for family gatherings, festive occasions, or a comforting weeknight meal. With a yield of 50 kreplach, they are sure to impress your guests or satisfy a hearty appetite!
50
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Warm water
1 cup (No preparation needed)
Oil
1/4 cup (Used for mixing into the dough and browning the meat)
Egg
1 (Beaten)
Salt (Dough)
2 teaspoons (For the dough)
Flour
4 cups (For dough preparation)
Ground beef
2 lbs (No preparation needed, use fresh ground beef)
Dried parsley
1 tablespoon (For seasoning the beef filling)
Salt (Filling)
2 teaspoons (For seasoning the beef filling)
Ground black pepper
2 teaspoons (For seasoning the beef filling)
Instructions
1
Prepare the dumpling dough: In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, beaten egg, oil, and 2 teaspoons salt. Mix well until fully combined.
2
Gradually incorporate the flour into the mixture, either by hand or using a dough hook on a mixer. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
3
Roll out the dough on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut into 2-inch squares using a sharp knife or a pastry cutter.
4
Prepare the beef filling: In a skillet over medium heat, add a little oil and brown the ground beef. Break up any clumps as it cooks. Season with 2 teaspoons salt, 2 teaspoons ground black pepper, and 1 tablespoon dried parsley. Stir until the meat is fully cooked.
5
Remove the skillet from heat and allow the meat filling to cool slightly. Drain any excess fat or oil.
6
Assemble the kreplach: Place a tablespoon of the cooked beef mixture in the center of each dough square. Carefully fold the square over to create a triangle, sealing the edges firmly by pressing with your fingers or crimping with a fork.
7
To cook your kreplach: For soup, gently drop them into boiling chicken soup and cook for about 15 minutes until they float and are tender. For fried kreplach, heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the dumplings and fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kreplach Bechamel?
Kreplach Bechamel consists of savory beef-filled dumplings that can be boiled in chicken soup or fried until golden brown and crispy.
What are the main ingredients for the dumpling dough?
The dough is made from 1 cup of warm water, 1/4 cup of oil, 1 beaten egg, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 4 cups of flour.
How do I prepare the beef filling?
Brown 2 lbs of ground beef in a skillet, season with salt, pepper, and dried parsley, then drain any excess fat before cooling.
How long should I knead the kreplach dough?
The dough should be kneaded for approximately 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
To what thickness should the dough be rolled?
The dough should be rolled out to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
What size should the dough squares be for assembly?
Cut the dough into 2-inch squares using a sharp knife or pastry cutter.
How do I assemble the individual dumplings?
Place a tablespoon of the beef mixture in the center of a dough square, fold it into a triangle, and seal the edges firmly.
How long do the dumplings need to boil in soup?
Boil the kreplach in chicken soup for about 15 minutes until they float and are tender.
How do I make fried kreplach?
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and fry the dumplings until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
What is the yield of this kreplach recipe?
This recipe yields approximately 50 savory beef dumplings.
What kind of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifies using 2 lbs of fresh ground beef.
What seasonings are used in the beef filling?
The filling is seasoned with 2 teaspoons of salt, 2 teaspoons of ground black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of dried parsley.
Does this recipe belong to a specific cuisine?
Yes, this dish draws from traditional Jewish cuisine.
Can these dumplings be served as a starter?
Yes, fried kreplach serve as a delicious savory starter or side dish.
What tools can I use to seal the edges?
You can seal the edges by pressing with your fingers or crimping with a fork.
Should the water for the dough be cold or warm?
The recipe requires 1 cup of warm water for the dough mixture.
How much oil is needed for the dough?
The dough requires 1/4 cup of oil.
What is the purpose of browning the meat before filling?
Browning the meat ensures it is fully cooked and allows you to season it and drain excess fat before it is sealed in the dough.
Is the egg beaten before adding it to the dough?
Yes, one egg should be beaten before being mixed with the water, oil, and salt.
What type of flour is used for the dough?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of flour for dough preparation.
How much parsley is needed for the seasoning?
You should use 1 tablespoon of dried parsley for the beef filling.
Can I use a mixer to prepare the dough?
Yes, you can use a dough hook on a mixer or knead the dough by hand.
What texture should the dough have after kneading?
The dough should be smooth and elastic after 8-10 minutes of kneading.
What temperature should I use to fry the dumplings?
Use medium-high heat when frying the kreplach in a skillet.
Should I drain the fat from the ground beef?
Yes, after browning the beef, you should drain any excess fat or oil before cooling.
What is the shape of the finished dumplings?
The dumplings are folded into a triangle shape.
Is this recipe suitable for festive occasions?
Yes, it is perfect for family gatherings, festive occasions, or comforting weeknight meals.
How much salt is added to the dough specifically?
The dough requires 2 teaspoons of salt.
How much black pepper is used in the filling?
The filling uses 2 teaspoons of ground black pepper.
Can the kreplach be boiled in plain water?
While they can be boiled, the recipe specifically recommends boiling them in chicken soup to enhance the broth's flavor.