Kartoffelkloesse - Potato Dumplings

It is my understanding that the Potato Dumpling is a south German food.  I don’t know if that’s true but I do know that my north German mother enjoyed making them from time to time.  She normally served them plain, seasoned with salt and pepper only.  If you would like a little more complexity to the dumplings, use the simple sauce provided or use your own favorite.  German potato dumplings are wonderfully filling and satisfying…and I love potatoes!

Dumplings Ingredients (serves 8)

    6 Potatoes, Russets are wonderful for these dumplings

    1 teaspoon salt

    2 eggs, beaten

    2/3 cup all-purpose flour

    ½ cup bread crumbs

    1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Sauce Ingredients (Optional)

    2/3 cup butter

    1 1/2 tablespoons finely chopped onion

    1 garlic clove, finely minced          

    1/4 cup bread crumbs

Make the Dough

1.      Peel the potatoes and cut them into quarters.  Place in a saucepan large enough to fit them and cover with water.  Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes until tender.

As I was only using 3 Potatoes for the photographs, they are not cut into quarters, but I highly recommend it for a greater quantity.

2.      Drain the potatoes well and transfer to a large bowl.  Mash using a hand masher.  Don’t use a hand blender or similar tool because it will make the potatoes too smooth.

Mashed before adding the other ingredients

3.      After the potatoes are mashed well, add the salt, eggs, flour, bread crumbs, and nutmeg.  Mix very well. 

Beaten Egg, Flour, Bread Crumbs, Salt, Nutmeg

After the additional ingredients have been added.  Oh Look!  There is a formed dumpling on the left.

The dough should not be sticky; if it is, mix in additional flour or bread crumbs.  It also helps to let the entire mixture cool a bit before proceeding to the next step.

4.      Form the dough into walnut size balls.  It’s easier to do a few at a time, rather than trying to make the entire batch of dough all at once.

Close up of a dumpling ready to be cooked.

5.      Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.  Drop the dumplings into the boiling water.  They will initially sink to the bottom and then will rise to the surface.  Allow to cook for 3 minutes on the surface.

Dumplings floating on the surface

6.      Remove the cooked dumplings with a slotted spoon and keep warm.

Ready to eat Potato Dumplings

Make the Sauce

1.      Combined the butter, onion, garlic, and bread crumbs in a skillet and allow to cook and medium high heat until the butter is melted and bubbly. 

2.      Continue cooking until browned nicely and thickened.

3.      When the sauce is ready, pour over the dumplings.