Traditional Knoephle: A Hearty German Dish

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups diced cooked chicken
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
  2. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and milk together.
  3. Gradually add the egg mixture to the flour, stirring until dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth.
  5. Roll the dough out to 1/8 inch thickness, then cut into 1/2 inch wide strips.
  6. Bring the chicken broth to a boil in a large pot.
  7. Add the dough strips to the boiling broth, stirring gently to prevent sticking.
  8. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the dough is tender.
  9. Add the diced chicken, heavy cream, butter, and black pepper to the pot.
  10. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes, or until heated through.

Tools for making

  • Large bowl - For combining the flour and salt.
  • Whisk - For beating the eggs and milk together.
  • Rolling pin - For rolling out the dough to the desired thickness.
  • Knife - For cutting the rolled-out dough into strips.
  • Large pot - For boiling the chicken broth and cooking the knoephle.
  • Stirring spoon - For gently stirring the dough in the boiling broth.
  • Cutting board - For dicing the cooked chicken.
  • Measuring cups and spoons - For accurate measurement of ingredients.

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
  • Replace the chicken with cooked and diced turkey or ham.
  • Add vegetables such as carrots, peas, or corn to the broth for added flavor and nutrition.
  • Make it vegetarian by substituting vegetable broth and omitting the meat.
  • Add herbs and spices like thyme, parsley, or garlic powder for extra flavor.
  • Try using coconut milk or almond milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative.
  • Make it spicy by adding a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the broth.
  • Add shredded cheese to the dough mixture for a cheesy twist.
  • Experiment with different shapes for the dough, such as dumplings or mini squares.
  • Top the dish with crispy bacon bits or fried onions for added texture.

Recipe overview

Enjoy a comforting bowl of Knoephle, a traditional German soup that is both hearty and delicious. Knoephle is a soup that includes homemade dough dumplings, tender pieces of chicken, and a creamy broth. It is a procedure that may seem a little daunting at first due to the preparation of homemade dumplings, but once you get the hang of it, it's quite simple and worth the effort. The result is a delicious, comforting soup that's perfect for chilly nights or a wholesome family dinner. Expect the process to take about an hour from start to finish, and you'll be rewarded with a soup that is creamy, rich, and full of flavor.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of flour? Yes, you can try using whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour.
  2. Can I use a different type of meat? Certainly! You can use diced cooked turkey, pork, or even beef instead of chicken for variation.
  3. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth? Absolutely! Vegetable broth can be used as a vegetarian-friendly alternative.
  4. Can I replace heavy cream with a lighter option? Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version.
  5. Can I make the dough in advance? Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before rolling and cooking.
  6. Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat on the stovetop before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for combining the flour and salt.
  • Whisk - Used to beat the eggs and milk together.
  • Rolling Pin - Used to roll out the dough to the desired thickness.
  • Knife - For cutting the rolled-out dough into strips.
  • Large Pot - Used to bring the chicken broth to a boil and cook the knoephle.
  • Stirring Spoon - To stir the dough and prevent sticking while cooking.
  • Measuring Cups - Used to measure the ingredients accurately.

Origin stories

Knoephle, also known as "Knoephla", is a type of dumpling that was made popular by German-Russian immigrants that settled in the Dakotas in the United States. This hearty and comforting dish is a testament to the resourcefulness and resilience of these immigrant communities, as it is made with simple, readily available ingredients. In fact, Knoephle soup is such an iconic dish in North Dakota that it is often considered the state's unofficial soup! As you savor each spoonful, imagine the vast, windswept prairies of the Dakotas and the warm, welcoming kitchens where this dish was lovingly prepared.

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.