Knödel

Kartoffelknödel (German Potato Dumplings with Bread Cubes)

Fluffy potato dumplings studded with golden, buttery bread cubes are the classic German partner to roasts and rich gravy. This version uses both leftover potato and stale bread, just as they do in Thuringia.

Prep

30 min

Cook

30 min

Total

60 min

Serves

4

Difficulty

Medium

Recipe ingredients

• •800 g (1 lb 12 oz) starchy potatoes (e.g. Russet), peeled and boiled until tender
• •100 g (3½ oz) stale white bread, cut into 1 cm cubes; if fresh, toast lightly
• •20 g (¾ oz) butter, for toasting bread cubes
• •1 large egg
• •20 g (¾ oz) all-purpose flour, plus extra for shaping
• •2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• •1 tsp salt, plus more for cooking water
• •1 pinch nutmeg, freshly grated, optional

Steps

1. 1 Boil the peeled potatoes in salted water until easily pierced with a fork, about 20 minutes. Drain and let cool until just warm. Rice or mash them into a large bowl; spread out and let cool completely.
2. 2 In a small frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the bread cubes and toast, stirring frequently, until golden and crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. 3 To the cooled potatoes, add the egg, flour, parsley, salt, and nutmeg. Mix with your hands until a smooth, slightly sticky dough forms. If too sticky, add a little more flour.
4. 4 With wet hands, divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Flatten each portion in your palm, place a few toasted bread cubes in the center, and seal the dough around them, rolling into a smooth ball. Repeat with remaining dough and bread cubes.
5. 5 Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle simmer (not a rolling boil). Carefully drop the dumplings into the water, ensuring they have room to float. Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until the dumplings float to the surface and feel firm and cooked through when gently pressed.
6. 6 Remove the dumplings with a slotted spoon and serve immediately with roast meat and gravy. They can be kept warm in a covered dish for up to 30 minutes.