Traditional Austrian Speckknödel Recipe

Ingredients

200g of Speck (Tyrolean bacon)
300g of stale white bread
200ml of milk
2 large eggs
1 small onion
2 tablespoons of butter
Handful of chopped fresh parsley
Salt and pepper to season
1 liter of beef or vegetable broth

Steps and instructions

Cut the stale bread into small cubes and place them in a large bowl.
Heat the milk until it's warm but not boiling, then pour it over the bread cubes. Let it soak for about 15 minutes.
Fine dice the speck and onion. In a pan, melt the butter and sauté the speck and onion until the onions are translucent.
Add the sautéed speck and onion to the bowl of soaked bread. Add the eggs, chopped parsley, and season with salt and pepper. Mix all the ingredients together until well combined.
Shape the mixture into balls, about the size of a cricket ball. If the mixture is too loose, add some breadcrumbs to tighten it up.
In a large pot, bring the broth to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.
Place the dumplings into the simmering broth and let them cook for about 15-20 minutes. They are done when they float to the top.
Remove the dumplings with a slotted spoon and serve warm.

Tools for making

Large bowl - For mixing the bread cubes and other ingredients together.
Pan - To sauté the speck and onion.
Slotted spoon - To remove the cooked dumplings from the broth.
Large pot - To boil the broth and cook the dumplings.
Knife - For dicing the speck and onion.
Cutting board - To provide a surface for chopping ingredients.
Measuring cup - To measure the milk and other liquids.
Whisk - To beat the eggs and combine the ingredients.

Recipe variations

Vegetarian option: Replace the speck with finely chopped mushrooms or grated cheese.
Herb-infused dumplings: Add chopped fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or sage to the dumpling mixture for added flavor.
Spinach and cheese filling: Incorporate cooked and squeezed-dry spinach along with grated cheese into the dumpling mixture.
Whole wheat dumplings: Substitute some or all of the white bread with whole wheat bread for a healthier twist.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free bread or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular bread.
Crunchy exterior: Roll the shaped dumplings in breadcrumbs or crushed nuts before cooking for a crispy coating.
Spicy kick: Add a pinch of chili powder or paprika to the dumpling mixture for some heat.
Cheesy center: Insert a small cube of cheese into the center of each dumpling before shaping.

Recipe overview

Get ready to transport your taste buds to the heart of the Alps with this traditional Speckknödel recipe! Speckknödel, or Tyrolean bacon dumplings, are a treasured delight hailing from South Tyrol, a region where the culture and cuisine beautifully blend Italian and Austrian influences. This dish is a comforting and hearty meal, perfect for cold nights. The dumplings are made from a mix of stale bread, aromatic Tyrolean bacon (Speck), onions, milk, and eggs, all brought together with a dash of fresh parsley and seasonings. Once formed, these flavourful dumplings are then gently simmered in a rich broth until they float to the top, signaling they're cooked to perfection. The result is a wonderfully satisfying dish with a unique texture and taste. Pair it with a crisp salad or some sautéed greens for a complete meal that will surely impress your guests and transport everyone straight to a South Tyrolean ‘stube’ (living room). Enjoy this culinary journey to the Alps!

Common questions

Can I use a different type of bacon instead of Speck? Yes, you can substitute Speck with other types of bacon, such as pancetta or regular bacon. However, keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly.
Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread? It is best to use stale bread as it has a firmer texture and will hold up better in the dumplings. However, if you only have fresh bread, you can lightly toast it or leave it out overnight to dry it out a bit.
Can I make the dumplings ahead of time? Yes, you can make the dumplings ahead of time. Once cooked, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them by gently simmering them in hot broth before serving.
Can I freeze the dumplings? Yes, you can freeze the dumplings. After shaping them, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a sealed freezer bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To cook, simply add the frozen dumplings directly to simmering broth and cook for a few extra minutes.
What can I serve with Speckknödel? Speckknödel is often served with a hearty soup or as a side dish with roasted meats, such as pork or beef. It pairs well with sauerkraut, red cabbage, or a simple green salad.

Serving dishes and utensils

Large mixing bowl - Needed to mix the ingredients together.
Pan - Used to sauté the speck and onion.
Slotted spoon - Used to remove the dumplings from the broth.
Large pot - Used to boil the broth and cook the dumplings.
Knife - Used to dice the speck and onion.
Cutting board - Used to chop the parsley and as a surface for cutting.

Origin stories

Speckknödel is a cherished dish hailing from the Tyrol region, straddling the borders of Austria and Italy. Its inception can be traced back to the desire to make use of leftover bread, demonstrating the quintessential frugality and resourcefulness of the Alpine settlers. Speck, a smoked or cured ham, is a Tyrolean specialty, and its inclusion in this dish brings a distinctive smoky flavor. More than just a mere meal, Speckknödel embodies the essence of Tyrolean tradition - a simple yet hearty cuisine birthed from the land's bounty and the people's ingenuity. It's more than just sustenance, it's a taste of home, history, and heritage, wrapped up in each flavorful bite.

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.