Knedlíky s uzeným masem a zelím
Hearty and comforting, this dish features fluffy bread dumplings served with tender smoked meat and sauerkraut, a staple of Czech cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 800 g Pork shoulder or belly(smoked)
- 1 kg Sauerkraut(drained)
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 1 tsp Caraway seeds
- 1 Bay leaf
- 500 ml Water or broth
- 400 g Bread(stale, cubed)
- 250 ml Milk(warm)
- 2 large Eggs
- 200 g All-purpose flour
- to taste Salt
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Place the smoked meat in a large pot. Cover with water or broth, add the bay leaf, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour, or until tender. Remove meat and keep warm. Reserve the cooking liquid.
- 2
While the meat is cooking, prepare the sauerkraut. In a separate pot, sauté the chopped onion in a little oil or rendered fat from the meat until softened. Add the drained sauerkraut and caraway seeds. Pour in about 200ml of the reserved meat cooking liquid (or water/broth). Cover and simmer for at least 30-45 minutes, or until tender. Adjust seasoning.
- 3
To make the dumplings, place the cubed stale bread in a large bowl. Pour the warm milk over the bread and let it soak for about 10 minutes.
- 4
Add the eggs and flour to the soaked bread. Season with salt. Mix everything together until a cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- 5
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Wet your hands and form the dough into several long, cylindrical loaves (about 5-7 cm in diameter).
- 6
Carefully place the dumplings into the boiling water. Do not overcrowd the pot; cook in batches if necessary. Boil for about 15-20 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are cooked through and float to the surface.
- 7
Remove the dumplings from the water and let them drain. Slice the dumplings into 2cm thick pieces using a sharp knife or a thread.
- 8
Serve slices of the smoked meat with the cooked sauerkraut and bread dumplings. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using stale bread is crucial for the dumplings to hold their shape.
- ✓If the sauerkraut is too sour for your taste, you can rinse it under cold water before cooking.
- ✓Ensure the water is at a rolling boil when adding the dumplings to prevent them from falling apart.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a bay leaf and a few juniper berries to the sauerkraut while it simmers for extra flavor.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of mustard.