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German Potato Dumplings Recipe

4.7 from 125 reviews

This recipe for German Potato Dumplings offers a traditional and comforting side dish made from starchy potatoes, flour, and egg, resulting in soft, fluffy dumplings perfect for pairing with sauces or roasted meats. The dumplings are boiled until they float, signaling their readiness, and can be enhanced with optional spices like nutmeg or onion powder for added flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Potato Dumplings

  • 2 lbs starchy potatoes (such as Russets)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg
  • Salt, to taste
  • Optional: Nutmeg or onion powder, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Potatoes: Boil the potatoes in salted water until they are fork-tender, which typically takes about 20 minutes. This softens the potatoes enough for mashing.
  2. Mash the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly to make handling easier. Then mash them thoroughly until smooth and lump-free.
  3. Make the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with the all-purpose flour, egg, and salt. Mix the ingredients together until a soft, pliable dough forms. If you want extra flavor, add nutmeg or onion powder at this stage and mix well.
  4. Shape the Dumplings: Divide the dough into equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball about the size of a golf ball, ensuring even sizes for uniform cooking.
  5. Boil the Dumplings: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Gently drop the dumplings into the boiling water. Cook them until they float to the surface, which usually takes 2 to 4 minutes, indicating they are cooked through.
  6. Remove and Serve: Use a slotted spoon to carefully remove the dumplings from the water. Serve warm with your favorite sauce or alongside roasted meats for an authentic German meal.

Notes

  • Russet potatoes are preferred because they yield a fluffier dumpling texture due to their starchy content.
  • Adding nutmeg or onion powder is optional but adds a subtle depth of flavor that complements the dumplings well.
  • Ensure the water is well-salted; it enhances the flavor of the dumplings during boiling.
  • Do not overwork the dough to keep the dumplings light and tender.
  • Dumplings can be served with gravy, sautéed onions, or alongside hearty meat dishes like schnitzel or roast pork.

Keywords: German potato dumplings, Kartoffelklöße, starchy potatoes, boiled dumplings, traditional German side dish