Traditional German Bread Dumplings
Experience a taste of Bavaria with these traditional German Bread Dumplings, known as Semmelknödel. They are perfect for soaking up rich sauces and complementing dishes like goulash or hearty stews. This classic dish, reminiscent of my grandmother's cooking, brings warmth and flavor to any meal. The recipe's simplicity highlights the aromatic blend of parsley and nutmeg, making it a beloved staple in German cuisine. Enhance your culinary experience with this delightful recipe translated from Wolkenfee's Küch, a renowned German blog. Serve them for a comforting family dinner or a festive celebration!
2
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
hard French rolls
2 - 3 (day old, sliced into 1/4-inch thickness)
fresh parsley
1 tablespoon (coarsely chopped)
milk
1/2 cup (warm)
egg
1 large (whisked)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
nutmeg
to taste (freshly grated)
Instructions
1
Slice the day-old French rolls into 1/4-inch thick slices and place them into a large mixing bowl.
2
Pour the warm milk over the bread slices and allow them to soak for around 10 minutes until softened.
3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the whisked egg, coarsely chopped fresh parsley, a pinch of salt, freshly ground pepper, and a dash of freshly grated nutmeg.
4
Combine the egg mixture with the soaked bread and knead the mixture until it forms a cohesive dough.
5
With dampened hands, form the dough into four evenly sized round dumplings.
6
Bring a pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer.
7
Carefully lower the dumplings into the simmering water. Cook for 15 minutes, avoiding letting the water come to a full boil, until the dumplings are cooked through.
8
Using a slotted spoon, remove the dumplings and let them drain in a colander.
9
Serve the dumplings hot with your choice of stew, goulash, or gravy.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are German Bread Dumplings?
German Bread Dumplings, known as Semmelknödel, are a traditional Bavarian side dish made from soaked bread, eggs, and herbs.
What is the German name for this dish?
The traditional German name for these bread dumplings is Semmelknödel.
How many rolls are needed for this recipe?
You will need 2 to 3 hard, day-old French rolls.
Why should I use day-old bread?
Using day-old hard bread allows the rolls to absorb the milk properly without becoming too mushy, helping the dumplings maintain their structure.
How long should the bread soak in milk?
The bread slices should soak in warm milk for approximately 10 minutes until they are softened.
What type of milk should be used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of warm milk.
What role does the egg play in the recipe?
One large whisked egg is used to bind the soaked bread and seasonings together into a cohesive dough.
Which herbs and spices are used for seasoning?
The dumplings are seasoned with fresh parsley, salt, freshly ground pepper, and freshly grated nutmeg.
How many dumplings does this recipe make?
This specific recipe makes four evenly sized round dumplings.
Why should I dampen my hands when shaping the dumplings?
Dampening your hands prevents the sticky bread dough from adhering to your skin while you form the round balls.
How do I prepare the cooking water?
Bring a pot of salted water to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer before adding the dumplings.
Should the water be at a rolling boil while cooking?
No, you should avoid letting the water come to a full boil to prevent the dumplings from breaking apart; a gentle simmer is best.
How long do the dumplings need to cook?
The dumplings should be cooked in simmering water for 15 minutes until they are cooked through.
How do I remove the dumplings from the pot?
Use a slotted spoon to carefully remove the dumplings from the simmering water.
What is the best way to drain the dumplings?
After removing them from the water, let the dumplings drain in a colander before serving.
What dishes pair well with Semmelknödel?
They are perfect for soaking up sauces in dishes like goulash, hearty stews, or any meal with a rich gravy.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to provide 2 servings.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This is a traditional Bavarian recipe translated from the German blog Wolkenfee's Küch.
How thick should I slice the French rolls?
The bread should be sliced into 1/4-inch thick slices.
Is fresh parsley required?
The recipe recommends one tablespoon of coarsely chopped fresh parsley for the best aromatic flavor.
What is the texture of the finished dumplings?
They are soft, cohesive, and perfect for absorbing liquids and gravies.
Can I use freshly baked bread?
No, fresh bread is too soft; the recipe requires 'hard' rolls that have dried out for at least a day.
Is nutmeg important to the flavor profile?
Yes, freshly grated nutmeg provides the classic, traditional aromatic blend essential to German bread dumplings.
Do I need any special equipment?
You only need standard kitchen items: a large mixing bowl, a whisk, a pot for boiling water, a slotted spoon, and a colander.
How is the dough mixed?
The egg mixture is combined with the soaked bread and kneaded by hand until it forms a cohesive dough.
Are these dumplings suitable for festive occasions?
Yes, they are considered a beloved staple for both comforting family dinners and festive celebrations.
Does the recipe include any sugar or fiber?
The provided nutritional data for sugar and fiber is not specified for this recipe.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized as German cuisine.
Is salt added to the cooking water?
Yes, the dumplings should be lowered into a pot of salted water.
Can I use pre-ground pepper?
While the recipe suggests freshly ground pepper for better flavor, any pepper to taste will work.