Potato dumplings with bacon and onion dressing are a hearty, comforting dish that brings together the soft, pillowy texture of potato-based dough and the savory richness of a bacon-onion topping. This dish is perfect for those cold days when you crave something filling and warm. The dumplings, made from a simple mixture of mashed potatoes, eggs, semolina, and flour, are boiled until tender. They are then topped with crispy bacon and caramelized onions, which add a smoky, flavorful finish to the dumplings. This recipe is traditional in many European countries and is perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Potato Dough:

• Peeled potatoes: 0.7 kg (700 g)
• Eggs: 2 large
• Semolina: 2 tbsp (30 g)
• Flour: 250 g (+/- 50 g, depending on the texture of the dough)
• Salt: To taste

For the Dressing:

• Vegetable oil: 3 tbsp (30 g)
• Bacon or pork belly: 150 g, diced
• Onion: 150 g (1-2 medium onions), finely chopped

Instructions (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare the Potato Dough

1. Cook the potatoes: Start by peeling and cutting the potatoes into evenly sized pieces. Place them in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain and allow the potatoes to cool slightly.
2. Mash the potatoes: Once cooled, mash the potatoes thoroughly in a large bowl. You can use a potato masher or a ricer to ensure a smooth, lump-free texture. Avoid using a blender or food processor as this can make the potatoes too gluey.
3. Mix the dough ingredients: In the bowl with the mashed potatoes, add 2 eggs, 2 tablespoons of semolina, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add 250 g of flour, mixing it in with your hands or a wooden spoon until the dough comes together. The dough should be soft but not too sticky. Depending on the moisture in the potatoes, you may need to add more or less flour. If the dough feels too wet, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
4. Knead the dough: Once the dough is combined, gently knead it on a lightly floured surface for 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to over-knead, as this can make the dumplings too dense. The dough should be smooth and easy to shape.

Step 2: Shape the Dumplings

1. Form the dumplings: Divide the dough into small portions. Roll each portion into a ball or shape it into a log and cut into 2-3 cm pieces. You can slightly flatten each dumpling with your hand for a more uniform cooking process.
2. Boil the dumplings: Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Drop the dumplings into the boiling water in batches, making sure they don’t stick together. Once the dumplings float to the surface (after about 3-4 minutes), cook them for another 2-3 minutes to ensure they are cooked through. Remove them with a slotted spoon and set aside to drain.

Step 3: Prepare the Bacon and Onion Dressing

1. Cook the bacon: In a large frying pan, heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced bacon or pork belly and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bacon becomes crispy and releases its fat.
2. Caramelize the onions: Add the finely chopped onions to the pan with the bacon. Cook for another 7-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions turn golden brown and caramelized. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

1. Combine the dumplings and dressing: Gently toss the cooked dumplings in the pan with the bacon and onion dressing. Ensure each dumpling is well coated with the flavorful bacon fat and caramelized onions.
2. Serve hot: Serve the potato dumplings with bacon and onions immediately, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley if desired. These dumplings pair well with a side salad or pickled vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Tips

• Choose the right potatoes: Starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold are ideal for making dumplings because they create a fluffier texture.
• Don’t overwork the dough: When mixing the dough, handle it gently. Over-kneading the dough can result in tough and dense dumplings. The key is to mix just until combined.
• Test one dumpling first: Before cooking all of the dumplings, it’s a good idea to test one. Drop a single dumpling into the boiling water to check the texture. If it falls apart or feels too soft, add a little more flour to the dough.
• Use semolina for structure: The semolina in the dough helps give the dumplings a firmer structure, so don’t skip this ingredient.
• Add other toppings: While bacon and onions are a classic choice, you can also top the dumplings with sautéed mushrooms, grated cheese, or sour cream for variety.

Storage

• Refrigeration: Leftover dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply sauté them in a pan with a little butter or oil until warmed through and lightly crisped.
• Freezing: You can also freeze the cooked dumplings. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and sauté them until heated.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings)

• Calories: 400 kcal
• Protein: 12 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fat: 14 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Sugars: 2 g

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?
   • It’s not recommended to use instant mashed potatoes because the texture of the dough may not turn out right. Freshly boiled and mashed potatoes provide the best consistency for dumplings.
2. What can I substitute for bacon?
   • If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can omit the bacon and replace it with sautéed mushrooms or use vegetarian bacon substitutes.
3. How can I prevent the dumplings from falling apart in the water?
   • If the dumplings fall apart during cooking, it may be due to too little flour. Add more flour to the dough until it feels firmer. You can also ensure that the water is at a gentle boil rather than a rolling boil.
4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can prepare the dough a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to cover it with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
5. What other sauces go well with these dumplings?
   • Besides bacon and onions, you can serve the dumplings with mushroom sauce, a creamy garlic sauce, or even a light tomato-based sauce for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

Potato dumplings with bacon and onion dressing is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings together comfort food staples in a satisfying way. The soft, fluffy dumplings pair perfectly with the rich, savory bacon and sweet caramelized onions, making it a meal that’s hearty, delicious, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. This recipe is easy to prepare, and with a few simple ingredients, you can create a meal that’s both traditional and timeless. Enjoy these dumplings as a main course or as a hearty side dish for your next dinner gathering!