Master the art of perfect potato dumplings with this essential guide

Potato dumplings are a classic dish that has maintained their popularity for many years. While their preparation may seem simple, anyone who has attempted to make them knows it's easy to make mistakes. How do you make potato dumplings? The traditional recipe comprises only a few ingredients, but several rules should be followed.

The preparation of excellent potato dumplings starts with the right selection of ingredients. Below, we present the traditional recipe.

          
• 3.3 pounds of mealy potatoes
• 7 ounces of all-purpose flour (preferably type 450)
• 1 tablespoon of potato starch
• 2 eggs
• Salt
• Oil for cooking

1. Wash the potatoes and boil them in their skins until tender. Cool, peel, and mash them through a ricer to achieve a smooth texture. Ensure the potatoes are completely cooled before making them into dough.
2. Add the all-purpose flour, potato starch, eggs, and salt to the cooled potatoes. Knead everything into a smooth, elastic dough that doesn't stick to your hands. If it's too sticky, add a bit more flour.
3. Divide the dough into smaller portions and form each into a roll about 1 inch in diameter. Cut the rolls into small diamonds about 0.4 inches thick.
4. In a large pot, bring salted water with a few drops of oil to a boil. In batches, boil the potato dumplings for about 3 minutes until they float to the surface. Be careful not to overcook them.

If you want to prepare soft and fluffy potato dumplings, remember these rules:

Using the right potatoes is crucial to ensuring delicate and fluffy potato dumplings. The best choices are mealy varieties, such as Bryza or Typhoon, which contain more starch. Starch provides elasticity to the dough, making it easier to form the dumplings and ensuring they won't fall apart during cooking.

Another essential ingredient is flour. For potato dumplings, it's best to use wheat flour, such as type 00, 450, or 550. Due to their high gluten content, these types of flour help achieve the right dough structure.

Potato dumplings are a versatile dish that pairs well with various accompaniments. They can be served classically with melted butter and fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, to highlight their buttery flavor. These potato dumplings also work excellently as a side for meat dishes and sauces. However, it's worth experimenting with less traditional combinations to enjoy them in new ways.

In the summer, they can be served with seasonal fruits such as strawberries or blueberries. This slightly sweet addition, sprinkled with a bit of sugar and drizzled with natural yogurt, will surprise many a gourmet.