Slovak Potato Dumplings with Smoked Pork and Sauerkraut
A hearty and flavorful dish featuring tender potato dumplings served with savory smoked pork and tangy sauerkraut. This is a comforting and traditional Slovak meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Potatoes(peeled and boiled until tender)
- 250 g All-purpose flour(plus more for dusting)
- 1 large Egg
- 1 tsp Salt
- 500 g Smoked pork shoulder(cut into cubes)
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 500 g Sauerkraut(drained)
- 1 tsp Caraway seeds
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Mash the boiled potatoes until smooth. Let them cool slightly.
💡 Tip: Ensure no lumps remain for smooth dumplings. - 2
Add flour, egg, and salt to the mashed potatoes. Mix to form a soft dough. Add more flour if too sticky.
💡 Tip: The dough should be pliable but not overly sticky. - 3
On a floured surface, roll the dough into a log about 2 cm thick. Cut into 2 cm pieces. Shape into small dumplings or leave as is.
💡 Tip: You can also use two spoons to shape rough dumplings directly into boiling water. - 4
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Gently drop the dumplings into the boiling water. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until they float to the surface and are cooked through.
⏱️ 15 minutes💡 Tip: Do not overcrowd the pot; cook in batches if necessary. - 5
While dumplings cook, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 6
Add the cubed smoked pork to the skillet and brown it. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
⏱️ 1 minute - 7
Add the drained sauerkraut and caraway seeds to the skillet. Stir well and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
⏱️ 20 minutes💡 Tip: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. - 8
Drain the cooked dumplings and add them to the skillet with the sauerkraut and pork mixture. Toss gently to combine.
💡 Tip: Serve immediately.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using starchy potatoes will yield softer dumplings.
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a bay leaf to the sauerkraut while it simmers.
- ✓Leftovers can be pan-fried the next day for a crispy texture.
🔄 Variations
- Add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh chives before serving.
- Incorporate diced smoked bacon along with the pork for extra flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the pork and use vegetable broth for cooking the sauerkraut.