Gomboce

Gomboce (Serbian Potato Dumplings)

Gomboce are soft, fluffy potato dumplings from northern Serbia, typically served as a side with rich meat stews or sauerkraut. The dough of mashed potato, flour and egg is shaped into balls and gently simmered until tender.

Prep

25 min

Cook

20 min

Total

45 min

Serves

4

Difficulty

Easy

Recipe ingredients

• •500 g (1 lb 2 oz) starchy potatoes, old, floury variety such as russet
• •150 g (1¼ cups) plain wheat flour, plus extra for dusting
• •1 whole (1 large) egg, at room temperature
• •1 tsp fine salt
• •2 L (8½ cups) water, for simmering; lightly salted

Steps

1. 1 Peel the potatoes, cut into even chunks and place in a pot of cold salted water. Bring to a boil and cook 15–18 minutes until a knife slides through without resistance.
2. 2 Drain thoroughly and return the potatoes to the warm pot over low heat for 30–60 seconds to dry off excess moisture (this keeps the dough from turning gummy).
3. 3 Mash the potatoes until completely smooth with no lumps. Spread on a board or large plate and let cool to lukewarm so the egg does not scramble on contact.
4. 4 Working on a floured surface, combine the mashed potato with the flour, egg and salt. Knead briefly just until a soft, non-sticky dough forms; do not overwork or the dumplings will be tough.
5. 5 Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces (about 90 g each) and roll each between floured palms into a smooth ball. Dust lightly with flour and set on a floured tray.
6. 6 Bring the 2 L of lightly salted water to a gentle simmer (a low, lazy bubble — a hard boil will tear the dumplings). Lower the gomboce in, ideally in a single layer.
7. 7 Simmer uncovered for 12–15 minutes, turning gently once or twice so they cook evenly. They are done when they float to the surface, feel springy, and an inserted skewer comes out clean with no raw dough.
8. 8 Lift out with a slotted spoon and serve hot as a side to a meat stew, roast pork, or sauerkraut; a small bowl of sour cream or the cooking juices from the stew is the traditional accompaniment.