"brod Knodel," Or Bread Dumplings Recipe

History of Brod Knodel (Bread Dumplings):

Brod Knodel, also known as Bread Dumplings, is a traditional dish that originated in Central Europe, particularly in countries like Austria, Czech Republic, and Germany. This recipe has been passed down through generations and has become a staple in the cuisine of these regions.

Bread dumplings were initially created as a way to use up stale bread, which was a common occurrence in households in the past. People would often find creative ways to utilize every part of food, and transforming stale bread into a delicious and filling dish was a brilliant solution.

Fun Facts about Brod Knodel:

1. Bread dumplings were traditionally made with bread that was at least a day or two old. Using stale bread allows it to absorb the flavors and liquids better, resulting in a more flavorful and moist dumpling.

2. The word "knodel" comes from German, which means dumpling. This term is also used to describe other types of dumplings in different parts of Europe.

3. Brod Knodel is often served as a side dish, accompanying various meat dishes and gravies. It adds a hearty element to the meal and soaks up the delicious flavors of the meaty sauces.

4. Bread dumplings were a popular dish among peasants and lower-class families, as bread was a staple and easily available ingredient. It was an affordable and filling option that provided sustenance to many households.

Now, let's proceed to the recipe for Brod Knodel (Bread Dumplings):

Ingredients:
- 3 cups of stale bread (cut into dice-like pieces)
- 3/4 cup of flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
- 3/4 cup of milk
- 2 tablespoonfuls of butter (melted)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoonful of finely-minced parsley
- 1/2 teaspoonful of finely-minced onion (optional)
- Pinch of salt

Instructions:
1. Start by placing two cups of diced bread in a bowl and pour 3/4 cup of milk over it. Allow the mixture to stand for about 10 or 15 minutes. This will soften the bread and make it easier to mix.

2. In the meantime, take 1 cup of diced bread and brown it in 1 tablespoonful of butter. Set it aside to be added to the mixture later. This step adds a touch of extra flavor to the dumplings.

3. After the bread has soaked in the milk, add 1 tablespoonful of melted butter, 1 egg, flour, baking powder, minced parsley, minced onion (if preferred), and a pinch of salt. Mix all the ingredients together until well combined.

4. The next step is to incorporate the fried, diced bread from earlier into the mixture. Mix it in gently, ensuring that all the bread cubes are evenly distributed.

5. With well-floured hands, form the mixture into balls, roughly the size of a walnut. The flour will prevent the dumplings from sticking to your hands.

6. Bring a pot of salted water to a rapid boil. Carefully drop the dumplings into the boiling water and cook them for about 15 minutes. Make sure the stew pan is closely covered to retain the heat and moisture.

7. Once the dumplings are cooked, use a perforated skimmer to remove them from the water and transfer them to a platter. Serve the dumplings immediately.

Optional: If you prefer a slightly crispy texture, you can also choose to brown the dumplings after boiling by dropping them into a pan containing 1 tablespoonful of melted butter. Cook the dumplings for a few minutes, flipping them to brown on all sides.

Brod Knodel is best enjoyed as a side dish, served alongside meat dishes such as roasted poultry, beef stew, or even with a creamy mushroom sauce. The dumplings absorb the flavors of the sauce, turning into a scrumptious and satisfying accompaniment.

Similar Recipe Dishes:

1. Semmelknodel: Semmelknodel is a variation of bread dumplings popular in Bavaria, Germany. It uses a specific type of bread known as "semmel," which is a pretzel or Kaiser roll. The process of making Semmelknodel is quite similar to Brod Knodel, but the choice of bread gives it a slightly different taste and texture.

2. Gnocchi: Although not exactly the same as bread dumplings, gnocchi are also a form of dumplings made with flour and potatoes. Gnocchi originated in Italy and have become a beloved dish around the world. They can be served with various sauces, just like bread dumplings, making them a delightful alternative for those who prefer a potato-based dumpling option.