Bergkäse Knödel
Bergkäse Knödel are a delightful dish originating from the alpine regions of Austria and Germany, offering a hearty, comforting meal that has been cherished for generations. These cheese dumplings incorporate Bergkäse, a flavorful mountain cheese, which gives the dish a distinctive taste that speaks to its rustic origins. Traditionally, these dumplings were a staple during the winter months, providing sustenance and warmth to mountain dwellers.
Ingredients
- Bergkäse - 200g, grated
- Bread (stale, cubed) - 250g
- Milk - 150ml
- Butter - 2 tablespoons
- Onion - 1, finely chopped
- Eggs - 3
- Parsley - a small bunch, chopped
- Chives - a small bunch, chopped
- Nutmeg - a pinch, freshly grated
- Salt - to taste
- Pepper - to taste
Preparation
To begin creating your Bergkäse Knödel, start by soaking the bread cubes in milk for about 15 minutes. This allows the bread to soften and absorb the milk, which is crucial for the right consistency of the dumplings.
Sauteing the Ingredients
In a frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until they are soft and translucent. This process should take about 5 minutes. The aroma of the sautéed onion will start filling your kitchen, setting the stage for the flavors to come.
Mixing the Dough
Combine the soaked bread with sautéed onion, Bergkäse, beaten eggs, chopped parsley, and chives in a large bowl. Season with a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together using your hands until you have a homogenous mixture.
Cooking Process
Shaping the Dumplings
With wet hands, form the mixture into dumplings about the size of a large egg. This recipe should yield approximately 8-10 dumplings.
Boiling the Dumplings
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and carefully drop in the dumplings. Allow them to cook for about 15 minutes, or until they rise to the surface. You can use a cooking timer to keep track of time.
Serving the Knödel
Once cooked, remove the dumplings with a slotted spoon and let them drain briefly. Arrange them on a serving dish and drizzle with melted butter or serve alongside a creamy mushroom sauce for an added layer of flavor.
How to Enjoy Bergkäse Knödel
Bergkäse Knödel are best enjoyed hot, with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables. Pair them with a crisp white wine such as a Gruner Veltliner or your favorite local beer to complement the rich, savory flavors of the Bergkäse cheese.
This dish not only warms the body but also connects you to a culinary tradition that echoes the alpine spirit. Whether served as a hearty meal following a day of hiking in the mountains or as a comfort dish on a cold winter's night, Bergkäse Knödel are sure to satisfy and delight.