Polish Bacon & Potato Dumplings (Kluski z Boczkiem)
This Polish delicacy, known as Kluski, is a cherished recipe passed down through generations. Combining earthy grated potatoes with rich bacon, it creates a dish that epitomizes comfort food at its finest. Whether served as a hearty dinner or enjoyed the next morning with scrambled eggs, Kluski brings warmth and nostalgia to the table. It's a filling and satisfying dish, perfect for gatherings with family and friends when you want to indulge in something truly special. Remember, this is not a low-calorie dish, but it makes for a fantastic feast!
N/A
Servings
267
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Potatoes
6 (Large, peeled and grated)
Egg
1 (Beaten)
Salt
1 teaspoon (To taste)
Flour
4 to 5 lbs (Sifted)
Bacon
1.5 lbs (Cut into small pieces)
Instructions
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1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
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2. Peel the potatoes and grate them into a large bowl using the coarse side of a hand grater. This will create a chunky potato mash. Don’t worry if the top begins to brown; this is a natural reaction to air exposure.
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3. Stir in the egg and 1 teaspoon of salt into the potato mixture, mixing well until fully incorporated.
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4. Gradually add sifted flour to the mixture, starting with about a cup at a time. Mix with a spoon until the batter becomes too thick to stir, then switch to using your hands. Continue adding flour until the mixture forms a thick dough that can be easily handled.
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5. Transfer the dough onto a floured cutting board, patting it into a thickness of about 3/4 to 1 inch. Cut the dough into strips approximately 1 1/2 inches wide.
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6. In a large frying pan, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, then remove and drain on paper towels.
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7. Place several strips of dumpling dough on a plate. Use a butter knife to cut and slide small chunks of dumpling dough into the boiling water. Make sure to tap the knife against the pot's edge to release the dumpling. If the dough sticks to the knife, dip it in boiling water to ease the process. Having a partner help with the second plate can speed things up.
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8. Allow the dumplings to cook for 35-45 minutes. Stir them gently and frequently to prevent sticking. Watch closely as the water becomes thick with starch towards the end of cooking to prevent burning.
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9. Once cooked, remove the dumplings with a large slotted spoon and layer in a serving bowl. Start with a layer of dumplings, followed by a layer of bacon. Drizzle some bacon grease over each layer for extra flavor. Continue layering until all dumplings and bacon are used.
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10. Serve hot, with a sprinkle of salt and a pat of butter if desired.
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11. Enjoy your delicious Kluski, either fresh or reheated the next day!
Nutrition Information
17.5g
Fat
24g
Carbs
6.7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kluski z Boczkiem?
Kluski z Boczkiem is a traditional Polish delicacy consisting of bacon and potato dumplings, often considered a cherished comfort food passed down through generations.
How many potatoes do I need for this recipe?
The recipe requires 6 large potatoes that should be peeled and grated.
What is the best way to grate the potatoes?
You should use the coarse side of a hand grater to create a chunky potato mash.
Why do the grated potatoes turn brown?
The browning of the potatoes is a natural reaction to air exposure and does not affect the recipe.
How much flour is required for the dumpling dough?
You will need between 4 to 5 lbs of sifted flour to achieve the correct dough consistency.
How many eggs are used in the Polish Bacon & Potato Dumplings?
The recipe calls for 1 beaten egg to be mixed into the potato mixture.
How much bacon is used in this recipe?
You will need 1.5 lbs of bacon, cut into small pieces.
How long do the dumplings need to cook in boiling water?
The dumplings should cook for approximately 35 to 45 minutes.
How thick should I pat the dough before cutting?
Transfer the dough to a floured board and pat it to a thickness of about 3/4 to 1 inch.
What size should the dough strips be cut into?
The dough should be cut into strips approximately 1 1/2 inches wide.
How do I prevent the dough from sticking to the knife?
Dip the butter knife into the boiling water periodically to make it easier to slide the dough chunks into the pot.
Why do I need to stir the dumplings frequently while boiling?
Frequent gentle stirring prevents the dumplings from sticking together or to the bottom of the pot.
What happens to the water as the dumplings cook?
The water becomes thick with starch toward the end of the cooking process, requiring closer attention to prevent burning.
How should I prepare the bacon for the recipe?
Cook the chopped bacon in a large frying pan over medium heat until it is crispy, then drain it on paper towels.
How are the dumplings served with the bacon?
Layer the cooked dumplings in a serving bowl, alternating with layers of crispy bacon and a drizzle of bacon grease.
Can I serve these dumplings with anything else?
Yes, they are delicious served with a sprinkle of salt and a pat of butter if desired.
Is this a low-calorie dish?
No, this is a hearty and indulgent feast that epitomizes comfort food rather than a low-calorie meal.
How many calories are in a serving of Kluski?
Each serving contains approximately 267 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains about 17.5g of fat.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 6.7g of protein in one serving of these dumplings.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 24g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can leftovers be eaten the next day?
Yes, Kluski can be reheated and enjoyed the next day; they are particularly good with scrambled eggs in the morning.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
The recipe uses 5 main ingredients: potatoes, egg, salt, flour, and bacon.
Should the flour be added all at once?
No, you should gradually add the sifted flour about a cup at a time until the mixture reaches the right thickness.
When should I stop using a spoon to mix the dough?
Switch to using your hands once the batter becomes too thick to stir with a spoon.
What type of salt should I use?
The recipe suggests 1 teaspoon of salt in the dough, plus extra for the boiling water and for seasoning at the table.
How can I speed up the process of dropping dumplings into the water?
Having a partner help by preparing a second plate of dough strips can speed up the process of sliding chunks into the boiling water.
What tags describe this recipe?
Common tags for this recipe include polish recipe, dumplings, comfort food, bacon, potatoes, and traditional.
Is the flour measured by weight or volume?
The flour is measured by weight, specifically requiring 4 to 5 lbs.
What makes this dish special?
It is a nostalgic, filling, and satisfying dish that brings warmth to the table, perfect for family gatherings.