Make authentic German potato dumplings, Kartoffelklöße, using this simple recipe. These fluffy potato balls are perfect served with gravy or stews for a hearty comfort food side dish.
Author:sarah_hearthbite
Prep Time:25 min
Cook Time:30 min
Total Time:55 min
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Side Dish
Method:Boiling
Cuisine:German
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
2 lbs starchy potatoes (like Russet), peeled
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 large egg
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
2 tablespoons butter (for serving)
Instructions
Boil the peeled potatoes in salted water until they are very tender, about 20 minutes. Drain them completely and let them steam dry for a few minutes.
Mash the hot potatoes thoroughly until completely smooth. You can use a potato ricer for the best texture. Let the mashed potatoes cool slightly until they are warm, not hot.
In a large bowl, combine the warm mashed potatoes, flour, egg, salt, and nutmeg. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix, or the dumplings will become tough.
Lightly flour your hands. Take about 2 tablespoons of the potato mixture and gently roll it into a smooth ball, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the formed dumplings on a lightly floured tray.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle simmer (do not boil rapidly). Carefully drop the potato dumplings into the simmering water.
Cook the dumplings until they float to the surface, then continue to cook them for an additional 3 to 5 minutes.
Remove the dumplings from the water using a slotted spoon.
Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Gently toss the cooked dumplings in the melted butter until they are lightly golden and slightly crispy on the outside. Serve immediately with your favorite gravy or stew.
Notes
Use starchy potatoes for the fluffiest interior texture.
Ensure the mashed potatoes are only warm, not hot, before adding the egg, or the egg will cook.
For a slightly crispy exterior, pan-fry the boiled dumplings in butter as the final step.
These potato dumplings are excellent served with rich beef stew or mushroom gravy.