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Classic German Potato Dumplings

Potato dumplings are one of the most comforting traditional sides — soft, tender and perfect with rich sauces and festive roasts. With just a few ingredients and the right technique, these classic German Knödel become beautifully fluffy and hold their shape without falling apart.

Classic German Potato Dumplings

Stefie

Servings

6

Prep Time

20-25 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Cuisine

German

Category

Side Dish, Traditional

Classic German Potato Dumplings

Ingredients

  • 1 kg starchy potatoes (mealy)
  • 120 g potato starch
  • 1 egg
  • 40 g butter (melted)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • A pinch of nutmeg

Directions

  1. Cook the potatoes

    Wash, peel and cut the potatoes into chunks. Place them in salted water and cook until completely soft.
    Drain well and allow the potatoes to steam-dry for a few minutes — dry potatoes create a smoother dumpling dough.

  2. Mash the potatoes

    Press the hot potatoes through a potato ricer or mash them very finely until completely lump-free. Spread them slightly so excess steam can escape and let them cool down to warm, not hot.

  3. Form the dough

    Sprinkle the potato starch evenly over the warm potatoes. Add the egg, melted butter, salt and nutmeg.
    Gently mix everything together just until a soft, smooth, cohesive dough forms. Avoid working the dough too long — overmixing can make dumplings dense instead of tender.

  4. Shape the dumplings

    Lightly moisten your hands. Shape the dough into 6–8 even dumplings.
    If using toasted bread cubes, place one cube in the center of each dumpling and shape the dough around it.

  5. Prepare the water

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle simmer.
    The water must stay below a boil — boiling water can cause the dumplings to break apart.

  6. Cook the dumplings

    Lower the dumplings gently into the simmering water. Let them cook for 20–25 minutes, until they rise to the surface and feel firm when lifted.
    Do not stir; allow them to cook undisturbed.

  7. Serve

    Lift the dumplings out with a slotted spoon and place them on a warm plate.
    Serve immediately with gravy, roasted meat or festive dishes.

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