Kroppkakor
Swedish Potato Dumplings
Kroppkakor are traditional Swedish potato dumplings, with the Öland specialty featuring a savory filling of seasoned pork and onions. They are hearty, comforting, and best served with lingonberry jam and melted butter.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Potatoes(Starchy potatoes like Russets or Maris Piper are ideal for a fluffy dough.)
- 200 g All-purpose flour(Plus more for dusting.)
- 200 g Ground pork(You can also use finely chopped fatty pork belly.)
- 1 medium Yellow onion(Finely chopped.)
- 0.5 tsp Allspice(Ground.)
- 1 tsp Salt(For the dough and filling.)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(Freshly ground, for the filling.)
- 2 tbsp Butter(For sautéing the filling.)
- as needed Water(For boiling the kroppkakor.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the potatoes: Peel the potatoes, cut them into uniform pieces, and place them in a large pot. Cover with cold water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Cook until fork-tender, about 20-25 minutes. Drain the potatoes thoroughly and immediately pass them through a potato ricer or mash them very finely while still hot. Let the riced potatoes cool slightly until they are warm but not hot to the touch.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 2
Make the dough: Add the flour, 1 tsp salt, and optionally 1 egg yolk (for a richer dough, though not traditional for Öland style) to the warm riced potatoes. Knead gently until a smooth, pliable dough forms. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can make the kroppkakor tough. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it's too wet, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 3
Prepare the filling: While the potatoes are cooking, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the ground pork to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess fat. Stir in the allspice, 0.5 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper. Mix well and set aside to cool.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 4
Assemble the kroppkakor: Lightly flour your hands. Take a portion of the potato dough (about the size of a golf ball) and flatten it into a disc in your palm. Place a spoonful of the pork filling in the center. Carefully fold the dough up and around the filling, pinching the edges to seal completely. Roll gently between your palms to form a smooth, round dumpling. Ensure there are no cracks where the filling can escape. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 5
Cook the kroppkakor: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the kroppkakor to the boiling water, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot (cook in batches if necessary). Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the kroppkakor float to the surface and are cooked through. They should feel firm to the touch.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 6
Serve: Remove the cooked kroppkakor from the water using a slotted spoon. Serve immediately, traditionally with melted butter and lingonberry jam. A dollop of sour cream or a side of pickled beetroot is also a delicious accompaniment.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For the best texture, use starchy potatoes and rice them while hot.
- ✓Ensure the dough is well-sealed to prevent the filling from leaking out during boiling.
- ✓Kroppkakor are best served immediately after cooking, but leftovers can be gently reheated.
- ✓The Öland style is typically made with raw potatoes for the dough, but using cooked and riced potatoes is a common and easier variation.
- ✓Serve with plenty of melted butter and lingonberry jam for an authentic taste.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Use different fillings such as mushrooms, smoked pork, or even a vegetarian option with lentils and herbs.
- Shape them into smaller, bite-sized portions for appetizers.
- Some regional variations use a mix of raw and cooked potatoes in the dough.