German Dumpling Soup Nockerl Griessklosschensuppe Recipes

GERMAN DUMPLINGS (SPAETZLE OR KNIFFLES) FOR SOUP OR SAUTE

Steps:

• Mix these together until sticky.
• Drop into bubbling soup or stew, broth or water. (see below for ideas).
• Dumplings will rise to the surface as they cook; remove from liquid with a slotted spoon (if sautéing in another pan); set aside in a bowl (keep warm).
• MAKE THE DUMPLINGS #1: This method results in very small, stringy-ish dumplings and is great for soups or stews. Spoon several tablespoons of batter into a colander, then with the back of the spoon--press the batter through the holes into the bubbling liquid.
• METHOD #2: This method forms larger dumpling pieces (dime & quarter size) and is great for soups or stews, too -- but especially good if you want to saute the dumplings afterwards (more on that in a minute). Using a teaspoon and butter knife, scoop up a spoonful of batter, then use the knife to cut off little dibs and dabs, using the knife to also push the dibs into the hot liquid. If the knife or spoon gets messy, just dip into the hot liquid.
• SERVING IDEAS: We love these in chicken-dumpling soup (use your regular chicken soup recipe -- skip the egg noodles and make these dumplings instead). OR scoop out the larger dumplings (Method #2), and saute in butter or olive oil along with kielbasa or other sausage and LOTS of onion ring slices. OR saute some fresh veggies, then add the dumplings -- heaven!
• VARIATIONS: Add several pinches of your favorite herbs along with the flour to enhance the soup, stew or saute dish.
• Chef's Note: Altho' this is kind of putzy, it is well worth the effort and SO different from regular pasta-noodles.

ANNA'S GERMAN DUMPLINGS

Steps:

• Place the milk and salt in a saucepan, and set over medium heat. In a small bowl, mix together 1 1/2 tablespoons of flour and water. When the milk begins to bubble, stir in the flour mixture, and cook stirring constantly until thickened, 2 or 3 minutes. Let cool until set. You can put the mixture in the refrigerator to speed the process.
• Fold the eggs into the chilled dough. Add 1 cup of flour and mix thoroughly (dough will be lumpy). Drop into simmering soups by the teaspoonful. Simmer covered for 10 minutes, remove lid, and simmer 10 minutes more.

GERMAN DUMPLING SOUP (NOCKERL-/GRIESSKLOSSCHENSUPPE)

Steps:

• In a large pot, bring the stock to a rapid boil.
• Combine the farina, nutmeg, eggs, butter and salt in a large bowl and set aside for 1-2 minutes.
• Scoop up small spoonfuls of the batter and scrape them into the boiling stock.
• Stir occasionally to prevent the dumplings from sticking; they will float when they are done!
• NOTE: If your dumplings disintegrate when they hit the water, ensure that your stock is rapidly boiling; also, "pack" your batter together a bit before dunking it, and/or add another tablespoon or two of farina to your batter -- it may be too moist (again, allow the batter to rest 1-2 minutes before continuing).

OMA'S GRIESSNOCKERLSUPPE (BEEF AND SEMOLINA DUMPLING SOUP)

Steps:

• Place beef bones and beef shank in a large pot; add cold water, onion, peppercorns, bay leaf, and salt. Bring to a boil; cook, skimming foam from the top, for 30 minutes. Reduce heat and simmer stock for 1 hour.
• Stir parsnip, turnip, leek, carrot, and celery into the stock; cook for 1 hour more. Strain stock through a fine-mesh sieve and return to the pot; season with salt and ground black pepper. Cool to room temperature and refrigerate, 8 hours to overnight. Remove the fat from the top of the stock.
• Bring stock to a boil; reduce heat to low, cover pot, and simmer.
• Heat milk in a small saucepan over medium heat; add butter and cook until butter is melted, about 5 minutes. Gradually stir semolina into milk mixture with a wooden spoon until mixture is smooth. Lightly beat eggs in a bowl and stir into semolina mixture until very smooth; season with salt and nutmeg. Remove from heat and let stand in a cool place for 30 minutes.
• Shape semolina mixture into small dumplings using 2 spoons or wet hands. Drop dumplings into the simmering stock and cook until tender, about 15 minutes.

ROUND 2 RECIPE GERMAN DUMPLING SOUP

Steps:

• In a medium pot over medium heat, add the oil. When it is hot, add the onion and cook until it begins to soften, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the cabbage, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the cabbage begins to soften, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the chicken stock and cider, bring it to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook until the cabbage and onions are soft, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add the dumpling and heat through. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.