Kneophla, a beloved dish in many Midwestern households, adds a delightful twist and texture, making each bowl satisfying and wholesome. Packed with tender vegetables and hearty potatoes, this soup serves as a nourishing base for the soft, pillowy dumplings that take it to the next level. This recipe is not just about feeding your body; it’s about creating a warm atmosphere and memories around the dinner table. Whether you’re enjoying it on a rainy day or serving it at a family gathering, this chicken soup is sure to become a cherished favorite!
Knoephla Soup
8
servings30
minutes40
minutes350
kcalIngredients
1 C. carrots, chopped
1 C. onions, chopped
1 C. celery, chopped
2 sticks butter
3 Quarts of water
4 Tbsp. chicken base
2 C. cubed potatoes
- Kneophla Dough
1 egg
1 C. water
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking powder
3 C. flour
Directions
- Make the Soup Base:
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are tender. - Pour in the 3 quarts of water and stir in the chicken base. Bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the cubed potatoes and reduce heat to a simmer. Let it cook until the potatoes are tender.
- Prepare the Kneophla Dough:
beat the egg, then add 1 cup of water, salt, and baking powder. Mix well. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. You may need to adjust the flour slightly for consistency. - Add Kneophla to Soup:
Once the potatoes are tender, drop spoonfuls of the kneophla dough into the simmering soup. Cook for until the dumplings are cooked through and float to the surface.
Kneophla Tips:
- Dough Consistency: The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it’s too wet, gradually add more flour.
- Cooking Dumplings: Make sure not to overcrowd the pot with dumplings; they need space to expand while cooking.
- Resting the Dough: Let the kneophla dough rest for about 15-30 minutes before using. This helps it become more pliable.
- Testing Doneness: The dumplings are done when they float to the top and are firm to the touch.
Cooking Tips:
- Prep Ingredients First: Chop all your vegetables and measure out ingredients before you start cooking. This makes the process smoother and more efficient.
- Sauté for Flavor: Sauté the vegetables (carrots, onions, celery) until they’re tender and fragrant before adding water. This step enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
- Simmer Gently: Keep the soup at a gentle simmer after adding water and chicken base. A rolling boil can break down the dumplings too quickly.
- Test the Dumplings: When you drop the kneophla dough into the soup, start with a small batch to test the cooking time. This helps ensure they turn out perfectly fluffy.
- Add Dumplings Last: If you’re making the soup ahead of time, consider adding the dumplings just before serving. This prevents them from getting too soft if the soup sits for a while.