Kartoffelknödel

Kartoffelknödel, or potato dumplings, are a staple of Austrian cooking. Present these soft, pillowy dumplings with great roasts or stews or as part of a festive buffet. Kartoffelknödel’s strong taste and flexible pairing make everyone interested in Austrian cuisine should try it.

Kartoffelknödel

Recipe by Travel S HelperCourse: SidesCuisine: AustrianDifficulty: Medium

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

150

kcal

Kartoffelknödel, or Austrian potato dumplings, are not just a side dish—they're a quiet ritual threaded through autumn kitchens and winter tables, dense with steam and memory. You begin with a kilo of starchy potatoes—Russets, preferably—boiled until they split softly under a knife. There’s a hush as you peel them, still warm, releasing that earthy sweetness only a potato can yield. Flour, potato starch, salt, and a whisper of nutmeg follow, folded in with a single egg. You knead the dough gently—it's a tactile, grounding act—until it holds together like a story passed down. If you're using the traditional filling, you toast cubes of stale bread in butter until they smell like childhood: crisp, browned corners and a hint of something forgotten but comforting. Twelve dumplings take shape, each one formed around a toasted center or, for more elaborate days, sautéed mushrooms, fried onions, or bacon. They drop into salted water and, after 12 minutes, rise—floating, done, humble and complete. Kartoffelknödel belong beside goulash, Sauerbraten, or dark mushroom gravies. They carry sauce like they carry history. Freeze them uncooked, swap in gluten-free flour if needed—the soul of the dish stays the same. It's a dish built on simplicity, yes, but never emptiness.

Ingredients

1 kg (2.2 lbs) starchy potatoes (e.g., Russets)
150 g (1 ¼ cups) all-purpose flour
50 g (1/3 cup) potato starch (or corn starch)
1 large egg
1 tsp salt
Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
3–4 slices of stale bread, cut into small cubes (optional for filling)
Butter or oil for toasting bread cubes (optional)

Directions

Step 1 - Prepare the Potatoes
Peel the potatoes and boil them in salted water until tender (about 15–20 minutes).
Drain the potatoes and allow them to cool slightly before mashing or pressing them through a potato ricer into a large mixing bowl. Let the mashed potatoes cool completely.
Step 2 - Make the Dough
Add flour, potato starch, salt, and nutmeg to the cooled mashed potatoes.
Crack the egg into the mixture and knead gently until a smooth dough forms. Avoid overworking the dough to prevent toughness.
Step 3 - Prepare the Filling (Optional)
If you wish to include a traditional bread filling, toast the bread cubes in a small skillet with butter or oil until golden. Set aside.
Step 4 - Shape the Dumplings
Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Flatten each portion in your hand and, if using the bread filling, place a few bread cubes in the center. Carefully shape the dough around the filling to form a smooth ball.
Step 5 - Cook the Dumplings
Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer.
Carefully add the dumplings to the water. Let them cook for 12–15 minutes or until they float to the surface. Do not allow the water to boil vigorously, as this can cause the dumplings to break apart.
Step 6 - Serve
Remove the dumplings with a slotted spoon and serve immediately. Kartoffelknödel pair beautifully with saucy dishes like goulash, Sauerbraten, or mushroom gravy.

Notes

Potatoes - Starchy varieties like Russets are essential for achieving the correct texture. Waxy potatoes may result in gummy dumplings.
Filling Options - Besides toasted bread, you can experiment with fillings such as fried onions, sautéed mushrooms, or cooked bacon bits.
Make Ahead - The dumplings can be prepared and frozen uncooked. Simply boil them directly from frozen when needed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Gluten-Free Variation - Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure the bread cubes (if used) are gluten-free.

Austrian National Food

Explore Austria's rich culinary heritage with iconic dishes like Wiener Schnitzel, Apfelstrudel, and Sachertorte. Dive into the flavors that define Austrian cuisine and its timeless traditions.