"bairische Dampfnudeln" Recipe

"Bairische Dampfnudeln"

History and Fun Facts:
Bairische Dampfnudeln, also known as Bavarian steamed dumplings, are a traditional dish from Bavaria, Germany. This recipe has been passed down through generations and is a favorite in Bavarian households. The dumplings are made by combining yeast, flour, milk, and other ingredients to create a soft dough. They are then steamed or boiled until light and fluffy. Traditionally, they are served with sauces or stewed fruit, but they can also be enjoyed on their own.

The name "Dampfnudeln" translates to "steam noodles" in English. This name comes from the method of cooking, which involves steaming or boiling the dumplings. The process creates a light and airy texture, making them perfect for soaking up delicious sauces or accompanying a meal.

Bairische Dampfnudeln are not only delicious but also versatile. They can be served as a main dish or as a dessert. They can be enjoyed plain or with various toppings such as vanilla sauce, caramel sauce, or fruit compote. Bavarians take pride in their culinary traditions, and these steamed dumplings are a testament to their rich food culture.

Recipe:

Ingredients:
- 1 cake of Fleischman's compressed yeast
- 1 cup lukewarm milk
- 1 pint of flour
- 1 teaspoonful of sugar
- 1 teaspoonful of salt
- 1 additional cup of lukewarm milk
- 1 egg
- 1-1/2 cups of flour (approx.)

Instructions:

1. Dissolve the cake of Fleischman's compressed yeast in a cup of lukewarm milk.
2. Sift 1 pint of flour into a bowl and add the sugar and salt.
3. Mix another cup of lukewarm milk, the dissolved yeast cake and milk, and the egg into the flour mixture.
4. Gradually add about 1-1/2 cups of flour to the mixture to form a soft dough. Do not mix it too stiff.
5. Cover the bowl with a cloth and let it rest in a warm place until it has doubled in size.
6. Flour the breadboard and turn out the dough. Mold it into small biscuits or dumplings.
7. Let the dumplings rise for half an hour.
8. Butter a pudding pan and place the dumplings in it, brushing the tops with melted butter.
9. Pour milk in the pan around the dumplings, filling it about two-thirds the depth of the dumplings.
10. Set the pan on an inverted pie tin in the oven and bake until golden brown.
11. Serve the Bavarian steamed dumplings with any desired sauce or stewed fruit.

Alternatively:

1. After shaping the dough into dumplings, drop them in a large pot of slightly-salted boiling water.
2. Make sure there is plenty of room for them to swell and puff up.
3. Boil the dumplings continuously, closely covered, for 20 minutes.
4. Serve as mentioned above.

This recipe makes approximately 30 small dumplings, but you can adjust the quantity according to your preference.

Similar Recipes:
If you enjoy Bairische Dampfnudeln, you might also like other traditional German and Bavarian dishes. Here are a few similar recipes to try:

1. Zwetschgenknödel: These are plum-filled dumplings made with a potato dough. They are popular in Bavaria as a dessert and are often enjoyed with cinnamon sugar and melted butter.

2. Kaiserschmarrn: This is a fluffy shredded pancake made with eggs, flour, and sugar. It is typically served with powdered sugar, fruit compote, or vanilla sauce.

3. Apfelstrudel: This is a classic Austrian and Bavarian dessert made with thin layers of dough filled with spiced apples, raisins, and nuts. It is usually served warm with vanilla sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

4. Hefezopf: This is a sweet braided yeast bread often enjoyed during festive occasions in Germany and Bavaria. It is flavored with lemon zest, nutmeg, and sometimes raisins, and is perfect for breakfast or brunch.

These dishes highlight the rich culinary heritage of Bavaria and Germany, and they are sure to delight your taste buds with their unique flavors and textures. Enjoy exploring these delicious recipes and adding them to your culinary repertoire.