Recipe: Cracker Ball or Butterball Dumplings
Description:
This delightful recipe has been cherished in German households since 1938, passed down through generations, and is traditionally enjoyed in a clear broth, offering a comforting taste of nostalgia. For an extra touch of heartiness, cooked noodles can be added to each bowl before serving, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal, especially for those who appreciate the addition of small pastina noodles.
Ingredients:
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 7 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped
- 1 shallot, finely minced
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 43.5
- Fat: 3.6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25.4mg
- Sodium: 54.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 1.9g
- Fiber: 0.1g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 0.8g
Cooking Time:
- Preparation: 45 minutes
- Cooking: 10 minutes
- Total: 55 minutes
Servings: 12 balls
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, beat the egg until well-combined, then stir in the melted butter until smooth and creamy.
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Mix Ingredients:
- To the egg and butter mixture, add the milk, finely chopped parsley, minced shallot, freshly ground black pepper, and fresh thyme leaves. Mix all ingredients together until thoroughly combined, creating a fragrant and flavorful dough.
-
Shape into Balls:
- Take walnut-sized portions of the dough and roll them into round balls, ensuring each ball is uniform in size for even cooking.
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Allow to Rest:
- Let the shaped dough balls stand for about 40 minutes, allowing them to swell slightly, which enhances their texture and flavor.
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Cook in Broth:
- In a large pot, bring chicken soup broth to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, carefully drop the dough balls into the broth, ensuring they are fully submerged.
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Simmer Covered:
- Cover the pot with a lid and allow the dumplings to cook undisturbed for at least ten minutes. It’s crucial not to lift the lid during this time to ensure the dumplings cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the broth.
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Serve:
- Ladle the hot broth into serving bowls, placing three cracker balls or butterball dumplings in each bowl. Optionally, add cooked noodles to the bottom of each bowl for added heartiness.
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Enjoy:
- Serve immediately while piping hot, allowing everyone to savor the comforting flavors of these traditional German dumplings.
Keywords:
German, European, Quick & Easy (< 60 Minutes), Dumplings, Broth, Comfort Food, Traditional Recipe, Homemade, Family Recipe.
This cherished recipe for Cracker Ball or Butterball Dumplings not only provides a delicious taste of German culinary heritage but also offers a cozy and satisfying meal experience that is perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or as a comforting lunchtime treat, these dumplings are sure to become a beloved favorite in your household, just as they have been for generations past. 🥣✨
