Picture the aroma of warm, golden-brown bread dumplings wafting through your kitchen, inviting you to savor their deliciousness.
There’s something about these delightful German side dishes that feels both comforting and indulgent, yet surprisingly simple to create.
As the stale bread cubes soak up the rich milk and meld with fresh parsley and eggs, a humble transformation occurs.
Let’s bring this classic dish to life and enjoy its heartwarming flavors together.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 whisk
- 1 frying pan
- 1 pot
- 1 slotted spoon
Ingredients
- 4 cups bread cubes, stale
- 1 cup milk, warm
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking bread dumplings, here’s a timeline incorporating prep and cook times, as well as additional reading time:
- Reading the Recipe: 5 minutes
- Start by reading through the entire recipe to familiarize yourself with the steps and ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Minute 0-5: Gather ingredients and equipment.
- Minute 5-15: Cut the bread into cubes and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Soaking Time: 15 minutes
- Minute 15-30: Pour warm milk over bread cubes and let soak.
During this time, whisk together eggs, flour, parsley, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl.
4. Mixing and Resting: 15 minutes
- Minute 30-35: Combine the egg mixture with the soaked bread.
- Minute 35-45: Let the mixture rest.
5. Forming and Browning Dumplings: 15 minutes
- Minute 45-50: Form the mixture into 8 evenly-sized dumplings.
- Minute 50-60: Melt butter in a frying pan and brown the dumplings on all sides.
6. Simmering: 10 minutes
- Minute 60-65: Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a gentle simmer.
- Minute 65-75: Transfer browned dumplings to simmering water and cook until they float.
7. Serving: 5 minutes
– Minute 75-80: Remove dumplings with a slotted spoon and serve warm.
Adjust any steps as needed based on your personal cooking speed and preferences.
Recipe Instructions
Place the stale bread cubes in a large mixing bowl.
Pour the warm milk over the bread cubes and let it soak for 15 minutes.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, flour, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Add the egg mixture to the soaked bread and mix until combined.
Let the mixture rest for an additional 15 minutes.
Form the mixture into 8 evenly-sized dumplings.
Melt the butter in a frying pan over medium heat.
Add the dumplings to the pan and cook until golden brown on all sides.
Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a gentle simmer.
Gently transfer the browned dumplings to the simmering water.
Cook the dumplings in the water for about 10 minutes, or until they float.
Remove the dumplings with a slotted spoon and serve warm.
Serving Tips
- Roast Pork: A classic pairing, the savory flavors of roast pork complement the soft, flavorful bread dumplings beautifully.
- Sauerkraut: The tangy and slightly acidic taste of sauerkraut balances the richness of the dumplings.
- Gravy: Drizzle with a rich gravy to add moisture and enhance the flavor of the dumplings.
- Steamed Vegetables: Serve with a variety of steamed vegetables for a fresh, healthy contrast to the dumplings.
- Mushroom Sauce: A creamy mushroom sauce can add an earthy depth of flavor to the dish.
Storage
To store bread dumplings, place them in an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to three days.
For longer storage, freeze them individually.
Reheat before serving.
Freezing
To freeze bread dumplings, first cook and cool them completely.
Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually.
Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Reheating
To reheat bread dumplings, gently steam them or warm in a covered saucepan with a splash of water.
Avoid microwaving, as it can make them rubbery.
Serve immediately once heated.
Final Thoughts
Bread dumplings are a traditional German side dish that complement a variety of meals.
They aren’t only delicious but also a great way to use up stale bread.
By following this simple recipe, you can create soft and flavorful dumplings that are certain to impress your family and friends.
The key to perfect bread dumplings lies in using stale bread that can absorb the milk without becoming too mushy.
Additionally, allowing the mixture to rest before forming and cooking the dumplings helps improve their texture.
Cooking them first in a frying pan guarantees they’ve a golden crust, while simmering them in water makes them tender on the inside.
Enjoy your homemade bread dumplings with a classic German meal or any dish of your choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make Bread Dumplings With Gluten-Free Bread?
Yes, you can make bread dumplings gluten-free. Use gluten-free bread cubes and add xanthan gum for binding. Adjust the flour type, ensuring it’s gluten-free. Monitor texture closely, ensuring the right consistency to prevent disintegration during cooking.
What Type of Bread Works Best for Dumplings?
You should use stale, dense bread like sourdough or rye for ideal texture in dumplings. Their structural integrity and rich, tangy flavors withstand soaking, enhancing the dumplings’ depth. Avoid using overly soft or airy bread types.
How Do I Prevent Dumplings From Sticking Together?
To prevent dumplings from sticking, guarantee adequate spacing in the simmering water, gently stir occasionally to maintain separation, and apply a slight coating of oil or butter before mixing. This enhances texture and minimizes clumping.
Can I Add Other Herbs or Spices for Different Flavors?
Absolutely, you can enhance flavor by incorporating herbs like thyme or rosemary. Experiment with spices such as nutmeg or paprika for depth. Guarantee balance by starting with small quantities, evaluating aroma, and adjusting to your taste preference.
Are Bread Dumplings Suitable for Vegetarians?
Yes, bread dumplings are suitable for vegetarians. They use plant-based ingredients like bread, milk, and eggs. Make certain you select vegetarian-friendly milk and avoid animal-derived broths when serving. Adding herbs enhances flavor and complements the dumplings’ texture.
Bread Dumplings
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Frying pan
- 1 pot
- 1 slotted spoon
Ingredients
- 4 cup bread cubes stale
- 1 cup milk warm
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Place the stale bread cubes in a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the warm milk over the bread cubes and let it soak for 15 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, flour, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Add the egg mixture to the soaked bread and mix until combined.
- Let the mixture rest for an additional 15 minutes.
- Form the mixture into 8 evenly-sized dumplings.
- Melt the butter in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the dumplings to the pan and cook until golden brown on all sides.
- Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a gentle simmer.
- Gently transfer the browned dumplings to the simmering water.
- Cook the dumplings in the water for about 10 minutes, or until they float.
- Remove the dumplings with a slotted spoon and serve warm.
Notes
