Best Nifla Aka German Dumplings 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.

GRANDMA'S KRAUT NIPFLA

Steps:

• Cook the bacon until crispy and drain on paper towel. If you like, save a bit of the bacon drippings for later.
• Drain sauerkraut and rinse. Put in saucepan. Add water just to cover and boil slowly for about a half an hour. Drain. Add cooked bacon which has been cut in pieces. For extra flavour add some bacon drippings as well!
• Meanwhile, make the noodles. Put a pot of salted water on the stove to boil. Combine dry ingredients; add water. Mix thoroughly.
• Turn onto floured surface and knead. Can roll dough with hands into long ropes. Cut into small strips. Drop into boiling salted water until the noodles float to the top. Drain and toss with a bit of butter or oil to keep them from sticking to each other.
• Combine noodles and sauerkraut mixture and heat through. If you like, brown the bread cubes in the butter to make homemade croutons and add to the mixture!

GERMAN KNOEPHLE "NEFLA" SOUP

Steps:

• Put the broth, onion, bay leaf, salt,and meat in the pot to cook. Simmer until meat is done. Add remaining ingredients and cook until the potatoes are tender. (You can also cook on low in the crock all day and then add these remaining ingredients about an hour before serving to cook).
• Mix the knoephle ingredients together to form a stiff dough. Take ropes of the dough and cut with clean kitchen shears in pieces about the length of the end joint of your little finger and drop into the boiling soup. Boil about 5 minutes or until the dumplings rise to the top. You can cook it longer for a thicker "stew" if you like.

DAMPFNUDELA STEAMED GERMAN DUMPLINGS

Steps:

• Heat milk a bit and dissolve yeast.
• Make a well in the flour and pour the yeast into the well.
• Let rest 1/2 hour.
• Add remaining milk salt and eggs.
• Beat vigorously til bubbles form.
• Knead well.
• Cover and put dough in a warm place Let rise for 1 hour.
• Cut off 1/2 fist size pieces on floured surface let rise 15 more minutes.
• In a deep skillet or dutch oven melt butter and add warm salted water to a depth of 3/4 inch.
• Add dumplings arranged in one layer touching each other.
• Put lid on pot, seal edges where lid rests with damp cloths to insure no steam escapage.
• Cook on med low heat about 20 minutes Dumplings should have a highly desirable brown crust on bottom. May be served with sauerkraut or canned fruit.

KNOEPHLA SOUP

Steps:

• Make the soup: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, a good pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the vegetables soften, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic and nutmeg and cook, stirring, 2 more minutes, or until fragrant. Stir in the stock, thyme, dill, parsley, bay leaves and potatoes; increase the heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover and cook 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Meanwhile, begin making the knoephla when the soup reaches a boil: Whisk the flour, baking powder, 1 1/4 teaspoons salt, a few grinds of pepper and the nutmeg in a medium bowl. Stir in the water and egg and mix to form a shaggy dough. Turn it out onto a clean work surface and knead for a few minutes, adding more flour as needed, until you have a smooth and stiff dough.
• Roll out the dough into a 1/2-inch-thick blob, then cut into 1/2- to 3/4-inch squares, dusting them with flour so they don't stick together. Drop them directly into the simmering soup for the last 20 minutes.
• In the last few minutes of cooking, stir in the heavy cream. Taste and adjust the seasonings as desired. Remove the bay leaves before serving.