Knedle: Polish Plum Dumplings [RECIPE!] | Polonist (2024)

Knedle ze Śliwkami

“With a soft, pillowy dough enveloping juicy plums, these Polish plum-stuffed knedle are a delightful dessert that blends sweet and tart flavours.”

How to pronounce it?
ke-NED-leh ze-shlievka me
‘Play’ to hear:

Knedle: Polish Plum Dumplings [RECIPE!] | Polonist (1)
Jump to Printable Recipe

In this post, you’ll find a recipe and tips for making a popular classic – knedle ze śliwkami.
They’re soft potato-based dumplings filled with juicy plums, served warm with a dollop of fresh cream and a pinch of cinnamon. Knedle will make a nice late-summer dinner (or a warm dessert). Have a go, your babcia would approve!

I won’t lie to you – it took me 3 or 4 attempts to get these plum dumplings right. I followed a traditional recipe to a tee, and yet I kept on encountering more difficulties as I went along.

Knedle: Polish Plum Dumplings [RECIPE!] | Polonist (2)

First time round, the dough was too sticky. Adding more flour didn’t help. In fact – it made it worse.

Second time, the dumplings have disintegrated while cooking. I ended up with a few cooked plums and some floating pieces of dough. Third time was so bad on so many levels, that I won’t even list them here (too embarrassing really).

So I asked my favourite uncle for advice (you might know him, it’s uncle Google). And… the enlightenment struck. There was so much I didn’t know! I’ve implemented all the tips I read online and the results were… delicious. Surprisingly so.

So let me share with you some quick tricks on how to handle this knedle-making business. This way you’ll make it a smooth & tasty operation.

Knedle: Polish Plum Dumplings [RECIPE!] | Polonist (3)

How to Make Perfect Plum Dumplings (and Not Go Nuts In The Process)

Scan through the tips below. They’ll help you stay out of trouble. The full recipe is at the bottom of the post.

Pick the Right Potatoes

To make the best knedle ever, opt-in for “floury”, starchy potatoes:

Knedle: Polish Plum Dumplings [RECIPE!] | Polonist (4)
  • In Poland, we call them “type C” potatoes. The exact names are listed here (under “mączysty” at the bottom).
  • In the US: Russet, Idaho or Yukon goldpotatoes should workwell.
  • In the UK, select one of those: King Edward, Marabel, Russett, Vivaldi.
  • Australia: Coliban, King Edward, Pontiac.

Spuds listed above are prone to flake and to separate easily when boiled (which is a good thing!). With waxy potatoes, the dough is more difficult to form and you might get some unwanted lumps & bumps.

Pick the Right Plums

What we need is an extra-juicy plum in peak season, when it’s perfectly ripe.

In Poland, we use węgierka, a small type of an European common plum. You’ll recognize it by its dusky skin of mottled purple and yellow. When cut, the fruit inside has a rich golden hue.

Knedle: Polish Plum Dumplings [RECIPE!] | Polonist (5)

But fear not – any stone fruit will do the trick, as long as it isn’t too large. I’ve seen these small plums variously referred to as: French Plums, Sugar Plums, Damsons, Blackthorns.

Get the Timing Right

For best results, cook the potatoes the day before and then pass them through a potato ricer.
Don’t use warm, freshly boiled potatoes! The dough will end up runny. Even if you manage to form knedle with it – they’ll taste weird.

Once the potato-based dough is prepared, the dumplings must be stuffed immediately. If the dough is set aside for too long, its consistency becomes thinner.

Knedle: Polish Plum Dumplings [RECIPE!] | Polonist (6)

Cooking Time

Timing is super-duper important. Drop knedle into a pot of salted boiling water and cook for 10-25 minutes (depending on their size and filling) on a very low heat – so that they’re barely cooking at all:

  • During this time, the water mustn’t boil, otherwise, the dumplings will fall apart.
  • When the water starts bubbling, lower the temperature with a few drops of cold water.

Cool Tip: Want to make your knedle extra special? Enrich the cooking water. Add a pinch of vanilla sugar, a piece of a vanilla pod or a glass of rum.

When ready, remove the cooked dumplings with a slotted spoon and drain the excess water. Don’t wait, these plumalicious dumplings should be served immediately. If they stay in the water bath for too long, they get sad & soggy.

Knedle: Polish Plum Dumplings [RECIPE!] | Polonist (7)

Newbie Tip: Before you’ll become a total pro in knedle-making, do a quick test before removing all the knedle from the pot. Take one dumpling out first, and check if it has cooked already:
Cut the dumpling in half. If the inside is dry and plump, that means they’re done. You can safely remove them all and serve.

Yield: 4

Knedle ze Śliwkami: Plum Potato Dumplings

Knedle: Polish Plum Dumplings [RECIPE!] | Polonist (8)

These Potato Dumplings hold a delicious surprise inside: an extra-juicy plum. This sweet stone fruit is not to be missed. When plums are in season, plum "knedle" are a wonderful option for dinner or dessert.

Prep Time15 minutes

Cook Time10 minutes

Additional Time12 hours

Total Time12 hours 25 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups (250g) flour
  • 3/4 cup (250g) cooked potatoes
  • 1 egg
  • 3 tbsp sour cream
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp (20 g) butter
  • 2.2 lb (1 kg) small plums
  • 3 tbsp (60 g) butter
  • 5 tbsp (60 g) sugar
  • 1 cup (250 ml) cream
  • a pinch of cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Peel the potatoes, cook them for 20 minutes until soft.
  2. Cool them completely, ideally overnight. Once cooled, force potatoes through a potato press.

    Knedle: Polish Plum Dumplings [RECIPE!] | Polonist (9)

  3. Add butter, flour, egg, cream and salt. Knead well, adding a bit of water if necessary.

    Knedle: Polish Plum Dumplings [RECIPE!] | Polonist (10)

  4. Form the dough into small walnut-sized pieces. Flatten each dough ball and wrap it around a pitted plum.

    Knedle: Polish Plum Dumplings [RECIPE!] | Polonist (11)

  5. When ready, boil a large pot of water. Drop dumplings in, wait for them to float. Once they float, cook for another 5 minutes.
  6. Remove from the water. Serve with melted butter and sweetened cream. Sprinkle with cinnamon.

Notes

References:

  • I found this recipe in "Jak gotować: praktyczny poradnik kucharski z 1930 roku" ("How to Cook: A Practical Cooking Guide from 1930") cookbook by Maria Disslowa. 1988 edition, page 338.
  • Tips: "Lane, leniwe, śląskie" book by Hanna Szymanderska, published by: Prószyński i S-ka. 2001 edition.
  • More tips (in Polish): "Knedle ze śliwkami" Dzień Dobry TVN.
Knedle: Polish Plum Dumplings [RECIPE!] | Polonist (12)

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Recipe Information

Filed under:

Knedle: Polish Plum Dumplings [RECIPE!] | Polonist (13)

Desserts, , Mains, Other Desserts

all-Polish (Popular Nationwide)

Autumn, Comfort Food, Kid-friendly, Summer

Alternative traditional/regional names:

Also known / Misspelt internationally as:

Tested by:

First published on:

Recipe by / Adapted from:

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Knedle: Polish Plum Dumplings [RECIPE!] | Polonist (2024)

FAQs

What is a knedle in English? ›

Knedle (plural from German Knödel, "dumplings"), is a dish of boiled ball- or oval-shaped dumplings with a filling. The dough can be potato-based or made of choux pastry; sometimes it is curd-based. It is filled with fruits (whole strawberries, prune plums, apricots, pieces of apples), mushrooms, curd cheese, meat etc.

How do you make dumplings with plums? ›

Combine flour, melted butter, egg yolks, salt and enough milk to make a soft dough that pulls. Cover and let stand about half an hour. Roll out thinly on a floured board, cut into 24 small squares and wrap a plum in each. Cook in boiling salted water for about 10 minutes; cooked dumplings will float to the top.

What are Polish dumplings made of? ›

Pierogi (singular pieróg) are boiled semicircular dumplings made from a chewy wheat-based dough that encases a variety of savory and sweet fillings. After boiling, pierogi are often pan-fried in butter until crispy, then drizzled with extra butter.

How to cook Lidl plum dumplings? ›

Place the dumplings in boiling water and cook for a few more minutes after they float. Coat them in Plazma. Topping Mix egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch with a whisk and add a little cold milk. Slowly pour in the remaining boiled milk and cream and cook for a few minutes on low heat.

Where did knedle come from? ›

The word "Knedla" has a rich history and cultural significance in Central and Eastern European cuisines. Its origin can be traced back to the Czech word "knedlík," which means "dumpling." This term is used to refer to dumplings in various countries, including Poland and Hungary.

Where did Knödel originate? ›

Knödel have been cooked in the Alps for more than 4,000 years. One of the first versions was the mashed grain Knödel, which was baked on the shores of Lake Mondsee in Upper Austria.

What is the secret to perfect dumplings? ›

Overworking the mixture, thus having heavy dumplings is a common mistake people make. Dumplings need very gentle handling, so mix only until the ingredients are just combined, and if your recipe involves rolling them out with extra flour, avoid using too much.

Why are my dumplings not fluffy? ›

Don't Overwork the Dumpling Dough

Stir everything together until the wet and dry ingredients are combined and you don't see any more dry flour. The dough might look a little lumpy, but that's okay! Overworking the dough is one of the easiest ways to end up with tough dumplings.

What's the difference between bao and dumplings? ›

To Summarize. In summary, bao buns are made from fermented yeast dough, while dumplings are only made from wheat flour without the yeast. Since bao dough contains yeast, it needs more time to rise and results in thinner skin than dumplings. In terms of cooking, baos are usually steamed, baked, and sometimes pan-fried.

What is Poland's most famous dumplings called? ›

Pierogi, a mainstay of the Polish diet since the 17th Century, remains both a nostalgic dish and a way for chefs to flex their creative muscle. In Slovakia, they're known as pirohy.

What is the national dish in Poland? ›

Bigos stew is the national dish of Poland. It can be made with any kind of meat from pork to rabbit or venison, but should always have spicy Polish sausage.

What do you eat with Polish dumplings? ›

Serving pierogis

A dollop of sour cream adds a lovely cooling, tangy creamy touch that pairs so well with cheesy mashed potato (proof – reader favourite Stuffed Baked Potatoes!). And a little sprinkle of parsley or chives adds a nice touch of green to an otherwise very beige plate.

What are plum dumplings made of? ›

These dumplings are made by small plums into a potato-based dough. Then they are simmered in water and covered in buttery breadcrumbs. These Hungarian plum dumplings look lovely when cut in half.

Does Aldi do dumpling mix? ›

Quixo Dumpling Mix 142g | ALDI.

How do you use Trader Joe's dumplings? ›

Add some frozen dumplings to a bowl, pour in enough chicken (or veggie or another) broth to cover the dumplings, and microwave for two minutes. Most creators also opt to add a splash of soy sauce, a little chili crisp or Sriracha, and garnish with some sliced scallions and sesame seeds. That's it.

What is a Knödel in German? ›

Knödel (German: [ˈknøːdl̩]; sg. and pl. ) or Klöße ( German: [ˈkløːsə]; sg. : Kloß) are boiled dumplings commonly found in Central European and East European cuisine.

What are German Knödel made of? ›

'Knödel' are German bread and bacon dumplings. They are tender, savory, and incredibly delicious and make a perfect and filling side dish.

What is the name of the Austrian dumpling? ›

Germknödel ([ˈɡɛɐ̯mˌknøːdl̩] in Austrian German) is a fluffy yeast dough dumpling (knödel), filled with spiced plum jam and served with melted butter and a mix of poppy seeds and sugar on top.

What is Klazel? ›

Traditional Klazel Recipe | recipe | Dan-O's spin on this traditional klazel🙌🔥 | By Dan-O's Seasoning | Check out how we make German claisel. Exactly how my grandmother taught me how to make it. Basically, a potato dumpling, I'm going to show you how to do it. Start out by boiling your potatoes with the jackets on.

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