Quick Potato Dumplings for a Meal

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €0.70 · €0.12/serving

• Original text: 1 cup all-purpose flour, plus moreEst. price €0.12–€0.25
• Original text: 1 large eggEst. price €0.25–€0.45
• Original text: teaspoon saltEst. price €0.01–€0.03
• Original text: 3 tablespoons butter, melted, or extra-virgin olive oilEst. price €0.30–€0.60
• Original text: Freshly grated Parmesan, black pepper, and chopped parsley, for garnishing (optional)Est. price €0.02–€0.05

Steps

1. 1

   In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of instant mashed potato flakes with 1 cup of boiling water. Stir the mixture well before adding 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 large egg, and ¾ teaspoon of salt. Knead the ingredients briefly until the dough becomes smooth.

2. 2

   Begin by bringing a large pot of well-salted water to a gentle simmer. Prepare either 3 tablespoons of melted butter or extra-virgin olive oil. Take roughly 2 tablespoons of the dough and shape it into a log that is about ¾ inch thick. Cut this log crosswise into pieces that are also ¾ inch in size. Using a fork, press each piece while rolling it along the tines; this technique will naturally create curls on one side and ridges on the other of the gnocchi. To check for readiness, drop a few gnocchi into the simmering water and cook until they rise to the surface, which should take around 2 minutes. The gnocchi should maintain their shape well and offer a slightly chewy texture when ready. If they turn out too soft or fall apart, incorporate up to an additional 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and some beaten egg into the dough until desired consistency is achieved.

3. 3

   Reassess the dough consistency. Once the dough reaches the desired texture, proceed to roll it into three or four ropes with a thickness of ¾ inch each. Cut these ropes into ¾-inch sections and shape them using a fork, allowing them to fall onto a baking sheet dusted with flour. Reheat the water until it simmers again, ensuring it does not come to a full boil. Gently lower one-third to half of the gnocchi pieces into the simmering water and cook uncovered until they rise to the surface. Use a slotted spoon or skimmer to transfer the cooked gnocchi to a wide bowl.

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• Cultural note

  Potato dumplings are a popular comfort food in many cultures, particularly in Eastern European cuisines like German and Polish. They are often served as a side dish or main course, showcasing the versatility of potatoes in different culinary traditions.

• Seasonal note

  Potatoes are typically harvested in the fall, making this dish ideal for autumn and winter months when potatoes are in season. However, since the recipe uses instant mashed potato flakes, it can be enjoyed year-round.

• Health note

  These potato dumplings are a good source of carbohydrates for energy, with moderate protein and fat content. They also provide some fiber and essential vitamins like vitamin A and B6. However, the dish is high in sodium and saturated fat due to the added salt and butter.