Authentic Austrian Kasnocken: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup of water
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 2 tablespoons of butter
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup of grated Gruyere cheese
  • 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and crack the eggs into it. Gradually mix the eggs into the flour, adding water as needed, until a smooth dough forms.
  2. On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 10 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.
  3. Roll the dough out to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Cut it into small, irregular pieces, about the size of a large pea. Cook the pieces in a large pot of boiling salted water for about 5 minutes, or until they rise to the surface. Drain well.
  4. While the dough is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until it is soft and golden, about 10 minutes. Add the cooked dough pieces to the skillet and stir to coat them in the butter and onions.
  5. Sprinkle the cheese over the dough pieces in the skillet. Cover the skillet and let it sit on low heat for a few minutes, until the cheese is melted.
  6. Season the dish with pepper and garnish it with the parsley. Serve the Kasnocken hot.

Tools for making

  • Large bowl - Needed for mixing the dough ingredients.
  • Rolling pin - Used to roll out the dough to the desired thickness.
  • Knife - Used to cut the rolled-out dough into small pieces.
  • Large pot - Used for boiling the dough pieces.
  • Skillet - Used for cooking the onions and assembling the dish.
  • Wooden spoon - Used for stirring and combining the ingredients in the skillet.
  • Grater - Used to grate the Gruyere cheese.
  • Kitchen towel - Used to cover the dough and allow it to rest.

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
  • Replace the Gruyere cheese with another type of cheese, such as Emmental or Cheddar.
  • Add cooked bacon or pancetta for a meaty twist.
  • Include sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
  • Add chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the taste.
  • Create a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
  • Try a different sauce to serve with the Kasnocken, such as a creamy mushroom sauce or a tangy tomato sauce.
  • For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the dough or the sauce.

Recipe overview

Kasnocken is a hearty and comforting dish hailing from Austria. It features small dumplings, made from a simple dough of flour, eggs, and water, that are cooked, then sautéed with onions in butter until golden. The final touch is a generous layer of melted Gruyere cheese that creates a luscious, gooey topping. The dish is then seasoned with black pepper and garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. This recipe is relatively easy to make, although it does require some time to knead and rest the dough. The result, however, is well worth the effort. Expect a dish that is rich, savory, and utterly satisfying. Whether served as a main course or a side dish, Kasnocken promises to be a hit at any meal. Enjoy the process of making this traditional Austrian dish and savor its delightful combination of flavors and textures.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of flour? Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or a combination of flours, but keep in mind that it may alter the texture and taste of the final dish.
  2. Can I substitute the Gruyere cheese with another type of cheese? Certainly! While Gruyere cheese is traditional, you can use other types such as Emmental or Swiss cheese as a substitute.
  3. Can I make the dough in advance? Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and keep it wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before rolling it out and cooking it.
  4. Can I freeze Kasnocken? Yes, you can freeze Kasnocken. After cooking the dough and combining it with the butter and onions, let it cool and then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  5. Can I add other ingredients to the dish? Certainly! Kasnocken is versatile, and you can add ingredients like cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or diced ham to enhance the flavor.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the dough ingredients.
  • Rolling Pin - Used to roll out the dough to the desired thickness.
  • Knife - To cut the rolled-out dough into small, irregular pieces.
  • Large Pot - To boil the dough pieces.
  • Skillet - Used to cook the onions and combine the cooked dough with the onions and cheese.
  • Spatula - To stir and coat the dough pieces in the skillet.
  • Grater - To grate the Gruyere cheese.
  • Measuring Cups - To measure the flour, water, and grated cheese.
  • Chopping Board - To finely chop the onion.
  • Kitchen Towel - To cover and let the dough rest.

Origin stories

Kasnocken, also known as Käsespätzle in some regions, is a beloved dish from the Alpine region of Austria. It's a hearty fare, designed to fuel long days of hard work in the cold mountain air. The name "Kasnocken" is a colloquial term that roughly translates to "cheese dumplings". It symbolizes a humble and rustic cuisine, where simple ingredients are transformed into comforting and fulfilling meals. The dish has a strong association with the region's dairy farming tradition, utilizing local produce like eggs, flour, and most importantly, the finest Alpine cheese. Nowadays, Kasnocken is not only a popular dish in Austrian homes, but also a staple on the menus of ski resorts, providing warmth and sustenance to skiers after a day on the slopes.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.