Classic German Potato Dumplings (Kartoffelklöße)

Embrace the heart of German comfort food with these authentic Kartoffelklöße, or Potato Dumplings, a staple in many German households. Delightfully fluffy and perfect for pairing with a variety of meats and gravies, these dumplings will transport your taste buds straight to the cobblestone streets of Germany. Follow this traditional recipe curated by FOCUS online to create an authentic dining experience at home.

Ingredients:

- 1 kg of potatoes (suitable for boiling)

- 250 ml of milk

- 100 g of room-temperature butter

- Salt, to taste

- Freshly grated nutmeg, to taste

- Optional: breadcrumbs or cooked bacon for stuffing (as per personal preference)

Equipment:

- Large pot for boiling potatoes

- Potato ricer or masher

- Large mixing bowl

- Wooden spoon

- Small saucepan for warming milk

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Servings: 6

Instructions:

1. Begin by boiling the potatoes in a large pot until they are tender, which should take approximately 20 minutes.

2. Drain the cooked potatoes and let them steam for a short while to remove excess moisture. This ensures the dumplings will have the correct texture.

3. While the potatoes are steaming, warm the milk in a small saucepan but do not bring it to a boil.

4. Using a potato ricer or a masher, mash the potatoes until smooth in a large mixing bowl.

5. Add room-temperature butter to the mashed potatoes and mix with a wooden spoon. Using a wooden spoon instead of a metal one prevents a metallic taste and keeps the texture consistent.

6. Slowly incorporate the warm milk into the potato mixture. It is important to mix gradually to achieve a creamy consistency without making the mixture too liquid.

7. Season the mixture with salt and freshly grated nutmeg to your preference. The secret to a great flavor is to season the potatoes well, so you won’t need to add anything else later.

8. Once the mixture is smooth and creamy, you can optionally fill the center of each dumpling with breadcrumbs or cooked bacon for additional flavor.

9. Form the mixture into evenly sized dumplings with your hands.

10. Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil and carefully add the dumplings.

11. Allow the dumplings to simmer until they rise to the surface, typically about 10 minutes.

12. Remove the dumplings with a slotted spoon and serve hot with your choice of meat and gravy.

Cooking Tips:

- Choosing the right type of potato is key; use a starchy variety for the best results.

- Make sure to mash the potatoes well for a smooth texture; any lumps can ruin the consistency of the dumplings.

- Regularly test your seasoning as you mix to ensure your dumplings are flavorful.

- If your dumplings are not staying together, add a bit of potato starch or flour to the mixture.

Feel free to adjust the seasoning and ingredients to suit your preferences and enjoy a traditional German dining experience right in your kitchen. Mahlzeit (bon appétit)!

This recipe was inspired by the German cooking expertise shared by FOCUS online. Watch them in action on their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@focusonline.

#comfortfood #potatorecipe #authenticcuisine

YouTube channel - FOCUS online: https://www.youtube.com/@focusonline

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