How to craft the perfect potato dumplings: A traditional guide

Potato dumplings are one of those dishes that have enjoyed unchanging popularity in Poland for generations. It may seem that their preparation is simple, but anyone who has tried to make them knows it's easy to make mistakes. How do you make potato dumplings? The traditional recipe includes only a few ingredients, but you should remember several rules.

The proper selection of ingredients is key to preparing excellent potato dumplings. Below is the traditional recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 kilograms of mealy potatoes
• 200 grams of plain flour (preferably type 450)
• 1 tablespoon of potato starch
• 2 eggs
• salt
• oil for cooking

Preparation method:

1. Wash the potatoes and boil them in their skins until tender, then cool and peel. Mash them through a ricer to achieve a smooth texture. Remember, the potatoes must be completely cooled before being made into dough.
2. Add the plain flour, potato starch, eggs, and salt to the cooled potatoes. Knead everything into a smooth, elastic dough that should not stick to your hands. If it's too sticky, add a bit more flour.
3. Divide the dough into smaller portions and form each into a roll about 2.5 cm in diameter. Then, cut the pieces into small diamonds about 1 cm thick.
4. In a large pot, bring salted water with a few drops of oil to a boil. In batches, boil the potato dumplings for about 3 minutes until they float to the surface. Be careful not to overcook them.

If you want to prepare soft and fluffy potato dumplings, remember these rules:

It's crucial to use the right potatoes to ensure delicate and fluffy potato dumplings. The best choices are mealy varieties, such as Bryza or Typhoon, which contain more starch. Starch provides elasticity to the dough, making it easier to form the dumplings and ensuring they won't fall apart during cooking.

Another essential ingredient is flour. For potato dumplings, it's best to use wheat flour, such as type 00, 450, or 550. Due to their high gluten content, these types of flour help achieve the right dough structure.

Potato dumplings are a versatile dish that pairs well with various accompaniments. They can be served classically with melted butter and fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, highlighting their buttery flavour. These potato dumplings also work excellently as a side for meat dishes and sauces. However, it's worth experimenting and enjoying them in less traditional combinations.

In the summer, they can be served with seasonal fruits such as strawberries or blueberries. This slightly sweet addition, sprinkled with a bit of sugar and drizzled with natural yoghurt, will surprise many gourmets.