Perfect Homemade Jewish Kreplach Recipe

Ingredients

For the Dough:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1/2 cup water

For the Filling:

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Soup:

8 cups chicken broth
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 onion, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Steps and instructions

Start by making the dough. In a large bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the eggs and water. Mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth, about 5 minutes. Cover with a towel and let rest for 30 minutes.
While the dough is resting, prepare the filling. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 10 minutes. Drain any excess fat and let the filling cool.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it is about 1/8 inch thick. Cut out circles using a round cookie cutter or glass. Place a spoonful of the beef filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges together to seal.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the kreplach and cook until they rise to the top, about 5-7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
While the kreplach are cooking, prepare the soup. In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the carrots, celery, and onion. Reduce the heat to low and let simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Just before serving, add the kreplach to the soup and let them warm through, about 5 minutes. Serve hot.

Tools for making

Large bowl - For mixing the dough and filling
Skillet - To cook the ground beef and onions for the filling
Rolling pin - For rolling out the dough
Round cookie cutter or glass - To cut out circles of dough
Pot - For boiling the kreplach and making the soup
Spoon - To spoon the filling onto the dough circles
Knife - To chop onions and slice vegetables
Cutting board - To chop onions and slice vegetables
Towel - To cover the dough while it rests

Recipe variations

Use a different type of ground meat for the filling, such as chicken, turkey, or lamb.
Add additional seasonings to the filling, such as herbs, spices, or grated cheese.
Try a different type of dough, such as using wonton wrappers or puff pastry instead of homemade dough.
Make a vegetarian version by substituting the ground meat with a meat alternative, such as textured vegetable protein (TVP) or mashed tofu.
Experiment with different fillings, such as using mashed potatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or a combination of vegetables.
Add a savory sauce or dip to serve with the kreplach, such as a garlic aioli, tomato sauce, or tzatziki.
Make a sweet version by filling the dough with fruit jam or a sweetened cheese filling, then serve with powdered sugar or a sweet sauce.
Try baking the kreplach instead of boiling them for a crispy texture.
Make mini kreplach by using smaller dough circles and less filling, perfect for appetizers or bite-sized snacks.

Recipe overview

Kreplach is a traditional Jewish dumpling usually filled with ground meat, mashed potatoes or another filling, and served in soup. This particular recipe provides instructions for a beef-filled kreplach served in a tasty chicken broth. Expect to spend some time preparing the dough and the filling, but the final result is a comforting and hearty dish, perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. The flavourful beef filling pairs excellently with the light and savory chicken soup, making every spoonful a delight. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to enjoy the process of creating this wonderful comfort food from scratch!

Common questions

Can I use a different type of meat for the filling?
Yes, you can use ground chicken, turkey, or even vegetarian meat substitutes as an alternative to ground beef.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling and shaping the kreplach.
Can I freeze the kreplach?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked kreplach. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, boil them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I use store-bought chicken broth for the soup?
Yes, you can use store-bought chicken broth as a time-saving option. However, homemade chicken broth will provide a richer flavor.
Can I add additional vegetables to the soup?
Certainly! Feel free to add other vegetables such as diced potatoes or peas to the soup for added flavor and texture.
Can I serve Kreplach with a sauce?
While traditionally served in soup, you can also serve kreplach with a sauce. Some popular options include tomato sauce, mushroom sauce, or even a sour cream-based sauce.

Serving dishes and utensils

Rolling Pin - Useful for rolling out the dough to the desired thickness.
Round Cookie Cutter or Glass - Used to cut out circles of dough for the kreplach.
Skillet - Needed to cook the ground beef and onion for the filling.
Large Pot - Used for boiling the kreplach and preparing the soup.
Soup Ladle - Helpful for serving the hot soup and kreplach.

Origin stories

Kreplach, a type of dumpling often filled with ground meat, mashed potatoes, or cheese, has its roots steeped in Jewish cuisine. It's traditionally served during festive occasions or holidays, such as Purim, Yom Kippur, or during the feast of Esther. The origins of its name are an interesting linguistic journey. The term 'Kreplach' is a Yiddish word, which in turn originates from a diminutive form of a Middle High German word 'krapfe'. In German, 'krapfe' refers to a pastry, and a nod to the dumpling's dough that encloses the filling much like a pastry would. It's also fascinating that the shape of the kreplach is said to represent different things for different holidays. For instance, during Purim, it's said to symbolize the hidden nature of the Purim miracle, where a monumental event in Jewish history was disguised in everyday occurrences.

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.