Potato Dumplings – Czech Republic

Ingredients:

For the Dumplings:

• 4 large russet potatoes (about 2 pounds or 900 grams)
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg

For Serving:

• Butter (for serving)
• Gravy or sauce of your choice (such as mushroom gravy or meat sauce)

Instructions:

1. Boil the Potatoes: Start by washing the potatoes thoroughly, leaving the skins on. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Bring the water to a boil and simmer the potatoes until they are fork-tender, typically around 25-30 minutes.
2. Peel and Mash: Drain the boiled potatoes and let them cool slightly. Once they are cool enough to handle, peel the potatoes and mash them while they are still warm. You can use a potato masher or a potato ricer for this step to ensure a smooth consistency.
3. Add Salt and Egg: Sprinkle the mashed potatoes with salt and then add the egg. Mix well to combine the egg and salt with the potatoes.
4. Add Flour Gradually: Gradually add the flour to the potato mixture, stirring continuously. Keep adding flour until the dough holds together and is no longer sticky. The amount of flour needed may vary depending on the moisture content of your potatoes, but it’s usually around 1 1/2 cups.
5. Shape the Dumplings: Divide the dough into equal portions and shape them into round dumplings. You can make them the size of small oranges or adjust the size to your preference. Make sure they are smooth and free from cracks.
6. Boil the Dumplings: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Gently lower the dumplings into the boiling water, one at a time. Be careful not to overcrowd the pot; you may need to cook them in batches. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the dumplings for about 20-25 minutes. They should rise to the surface when they are done.
7. Serve: Once the dumplings are cooked, remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a serving plate. Optionally, you can melt some butter and drizzle it over the dumplings for extra flavor. Serve hot with your choice of gravy or sauce. They pair wonderfully with Czech dishes like Svíčková (marinated beef with cream sauce) or goulash.

Enjoy your homemade Czech potato dumplings!