Traditional Pennsylvania Dutch Snitz and Knepp Recipe
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours
Category: One-Dish Meal
Servings: 6
Snitz and Knepp is a beloved, simple, and traditional Pennsylvania Dutch recipe that blends the savory richness of ham with the natural sweetness of apples. This hearty one-dish meal is not only easy to make but also budget-friendly, providing a perfect comfort meal for family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners. The dish’s unique charm comes from its slow simmering process, which fills your kitchen with a warm, intoxicating aroma while you go about your day.
This recipe calls for dried apples, which require a soaking period, so plan ahead and soak them overnight. Once that’s done, you simply simmer the ham and apples slowly, adding flavor with brown sugar and knepp (dumplings) for a satisfying meal that will bring smiles all around the table.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ham | 1 1/2 lbs (about) |
| Brown sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Baking powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | 3 1/2 teaspoons |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Butter (melted) | 1/2 cup |
| Milk | 1/3 – 1/2 cup |
| Dried apples | 2 cups (soaked) |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 461.6 kcal |
| Fat Content | 12.1 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 5.2 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 106.3 mg |
| Sodium Content | 2197.9 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 56.6 g |
| Fiber Content | 3.6 g |
| Sugar Content | 21 g |
| Protein Content | 31.4 g |
Instructions
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Soak the Apples: Begin by soaking the dried apples in water for at least 8 hours or overnight to soften them, allowing the sweet flavors to develop.
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Cook the Ham: About 4 1/2 hours before you’re ready to serve, place the ham in a large pot and cover it with cold water. Bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it cook slowly for about 3 hours, until it is tender and infused with flavor.
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Add the Apples: Once the ham is tender, carefully add the soaked apples along with the water they’ve been soaking in to the pot with the ham. Stir gently to combine.
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Add Brown Sugar: Sprinkle the brown sugar into the pot, stirring until it dissolves. Let the mixture simmer for another hour, allowing the flavors to meld and the apples to soften further.
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Prepare the Knepp (Dumplings): While the ham and apples are simmering, make the knepp by sifting together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the egg and melted butter to the dry ingredients, stirring until incorporated.
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Add Milk: Gradually add the milk, stirring until the mixture reaches a thick batter consistency that can be easily dropped from a spoon.
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Form the Dumplings: Using a spoon, carefully drop spoonfuls of the knepp batter into the boiling ham and apples mixture. Space them out evenly to ensure they cook properly.
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Simmer the Dumplings: Cover the pot tightly and allow the dumplings to cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Do not lift the cover during this time, as the dumplings need to steam to perfection.
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Serve: Once the dumplings are cooked through and have risen, remove the pot from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve hot, making sure to include both the ham and the delicious dumplings in every serving.
Tips for Success:
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Soaking the Apples: Soaking the apples overnight is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. It also helps bring out the natural sweetness of the dried fruit, which balances the savory flavors of the ham.
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Slow Cooking: The slow cooking process is what gives Snitz and Knepp its depth of flavor. Be sure to keep the heat low while cooking the ham and apples to avoid overcooking the meat or drying out the fruit.
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Consistency of the Dumplings: The knepp (dumplings) should be thick enough to hold their shape when dropped into the pot. If the batter is too runny, simply add a little more flour to thicken it.
This traditional Pennsylvania Dutch dish combines the comforting flavors of ham and apples with soft, fluffy dumplings, making it a heartwarming meal for any occasion. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, Snitz and Knepp is an easy, inexpensive dish that is sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy the rich, satisfying tastes of this comforting dish with your family, and let it bring the delicious taste of Pennsylvania Dutch heritage to your table.
