German Nana’s Creamy Potato Dumplings (Kartoffelknödel in Cream Sauce)

by

German Nana’s Creamy Potato Dumplings (Kartoffelknödel in Cream Sauce)

Description

Soft, pan-seared potato dumplings with golden crusts, gently simmered in a rich, creamy sauce. This comforting German recipe has been passed down through generations and is often served on Sundays or special family gatherings.

 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

For the Dumplings

  • 2 lbs (900 g) potatoes, peeled

  • 1 large egg

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour

  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (traditional)

  • 2 tablespoons butter (for pan-searing)

For the Cream Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • 2 tablespoons flour

  • 1½ cups milk or light cream

  • ½ cup heavy cream

  • Salt & black pepper to taste

  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or thyme, finely chopped

 Instructions

Dumplings

  1. Boil potatoes until fork-tender. Drain and mash while hot.

  2. Let potatoes cool slightly, then mix in egg, flour, breadcrumbs, salt, and nutmeg.

  3. Form into golf-ball-sized dumplings.

  4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle simmer.

  5. Add dumplings and cook 8–10 minutes, until they float.

  6. Remove carefully and drain.

Pan-Sear (Traditional Nana Step)

  1. Melt butter in a skillet and lightly brown dumplings on all sides until golden.

Cream Sauce

  1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

  2. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute.

  3. Slowly whisk in milk and cream.

  4. Simmer until thickened, season with salt and pepper.

  5. Add herbs.

Finish

  1. Add dumplings to the sauce and gently spoon sauce over them.

  2. Serve warm.

 Notes & Tips

  • Nutmeg is essential for authentic German flavor.

  • Don’t overwork the dough—soft dumplings are key.

  • Can be served with sauerkraut, red cabbage, or roasted pork.

  • Leftovers reheat beautifully in a skillet with butter.

 Servings

  • 4–6 servings

Nutritional Info (Approx. per serving)

  • Calories: ~380

  • Carbohydrates: ~40 g

  • Protein: ~9 g

  • Fat: ~20 g

  • Fiber: ~4 g

 Benefits

  • ✔️ Comforting & filling

  • ✔️ Made from simple pantry staples

  • ✔️ Traditional, preservative-free food

  • ✔️ Good source of energy and potassium

  • ✔️ Emotional comfort & cultural heritage 💛

 Q & A

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes. Boil dumplings ahead, refrigerate, then pan-sear and sauce before serving.

Q: Are these bread dumplings instead?
A: This version is potato-based, but bread dumplings can be substituted.

Q: Can I freeze them?
A: Dumplings freeze well after boiling—freeze without sauce.

Q: What meat pairs best?
A: Roast pork, schnitzel, or sausage.

Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
A: It already is—just use milk instead of cream if preferred.

Leave a Comment