Latvian Potato and Cheese Dumplings
Kartupeļu un Siera Pelmeņi
Tender, slightly chewy dumplings made from mashed potatoes and farmer's cheese, often served with a simple topping of browned breadcrumbs and butter.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Potatoes(boiled and cooled, preferably starchy variety)
- 400 g Farmer's cheese (or quark/cottage cheese)(drained if very wet)
- 4 tbsp All-purpose flour(plus more for dusting)
- 125 g Potato flour (or cornstarch)
- 1 large Egg
- 1 tsp Salt(for boiling water)
- 5 L Water(for boiling dumplings)
- 4 tbsp Butter(for browning breadcrumbs)
- 2 tbsp Breadcrumbs
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Boil the potatoes in their skins until tender, about 30 minutes. Drain, peel while still warm, and mash them thoroughly until smooth. Let cool completely.
💡 Tip: Using starchy potatoes will result in a better dough consistency. - 2
In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, farmer's cheese, egg, and potato flour. Mix well until a soft dough forms. Add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky to handle.
💡 Tip: Work the dough gently to avoid making it tough. - 3
Lightly flour a work surface. Roll portions of the dough into ropes about 1.5 cm (0.6 inches) in diameter. Cut the ropes into small diamond shapes or bite-sized pieces.
- 4
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully drop the dumplings into the boiling water, a few at a time, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot.
💡 Tip: The water should be generously salted, like the sea. - 5
Cook the dumplings for about 3-5 minutes after they float to the surface, or until tender. Remove with a slotted spoon.
- 6
While the dumplings are cooking, melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and toast until golden brown and fragrant.
💡 Tip: Stir the breadcrumbs constantly to prevent burning. - 7
Serve the cooked dumplings immediately, topped with the browned buttered breadcrumbs.
💡 Tip: These are best served warm.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a sweeter variation, serve with fresh berries, fruit compote, or a dollop of sour cream and sugar.
- ✓If you have leftover dough, you can freeze it in portions for later use.
- ✓Ensure the potatoes are completely dry after mashing to avoid a gummy dough.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add finely chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley to the dough.
- Serve with fried bacon bits or caramelized onions for a savory option.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, such as a sharp cheddar.