German Dumpling Soup Nockerl Griessklosschensuppe Recipes

Steps:

• In a large pot, bring the stock to a rapid boil.
• Combine the farina, nutmeg, eggs, butter and salt in a large bowl and set aside for 1-2 minutes.
• Scoop up small spoonfuls of the batter and scrape them into the boiling stock.
• Stir occasionally to prevent the dumplings from sticking; they will float when they are done!
• NOTE: If your dumplings disintegrate when they hit the water, ensure that your stock is rapidly boiling; also, "pack" your batter together a bit before dunking it, and/or add another tablespoon or two of farina to your batter -- it may be too moist (again, allow the batter to rest 1-2 minutes before continuing).

Steps:

• Mix these together until sticky.
• Drop into bubbling soup or stew, broth or water. (see below for ideas).
• Dumplings will rise to the surface as they cook; remove from liquid with a slotted spoon (if sautéing in another pan); set aside in a bowl (keep warm).
• MAKE THE DUMPLINGS #1: This method results in very small, stringy-ish dumplings and is great for soups or stews. Spoon several tablespoons of batter into a colander, then with the back of the spoon--press the batter through the holes into the bubbling liquid.
• METHOD #2: This method forms larger dumpling pieces (dime & quarter size) and is great for soups or stews, too -- but especially good if you want to saute the dumplings afterwards (more on that in a minute). Using a teaspoon and butter knife, scoop up a spoonful of batter, then use the knife to cut off little dibs and dabs, using the knife to also push the dibs into the hot liquid. If the knife or spoon gets messy, just dip into the hot liquid.
• SERVING IDEAS: We love these in chicken-dumpling soup (use your regular chicken soup recipe -- skip the egg noodles and make these dumplings instead). OR scoop out the larger dumplings (Method #2), and saute in butter or olive oil along with kielbasa or other sausage and LOTS of onion ring slices. OR saute some fresh veggies, then add the dumplings -- heaven!
• VARIATIONS: Add several pinches of your favorite herbs along with the flour to enhance the soup, stew or saute dish.
• Chef's Note: Altho' this is kind of putzy, it is well worth the effort and SO different from regular pasta-noodles.

Steps:

• Beat the eggs and melted butter until foamy, stir in the semolina, season with salt, pepper and freshly grated nutmeg to taste. Mix well and let rest for 10 minutes.
• Form oval quenelles with the aid of 2 teaspoons, drop them into boiling water, don't overcrowd the pot, they will plump up.
• Cook for 10 - 15 minutes or until they rise to the surface.
• Remove from the heat, add one cup of cold water to the pot and let stand for another 10 minutes, by now they should have doubled in bulk.
• Drain and serve in broth, sprinkled with chives and grated nutmeg.
• Note: I always make one extra dumpling that can be cut open to check for doneness. If the sample dumpling is not soft inside, leave them a little longer. It should be soft but not mushy.