Knoephla facts for kids
| Type | Dumpling |
|---|---|
| Main ingredients | Potatoes |
Knoephla, sometimes spelled knephla, is a special kind of dumpling. It is often served in delicious soups. The word "Knoephla" comes from a German word, Knöpfle. This word means "little knob" or "little button." This name fits because Knoephla dumplings are small and round!
Traditional knoephla soup is a thick and hearty meal. It is made with chicken and potatoes. It is so thick, it's almost like a stew. This tasty dish is very popular in some parts of the United States. You will find it often in Minnesota, South Dakota, and North Dakota. Many German families from the Russian Empire settled in these states long ago. They brought their recipes, including Knoephla, with them.
Contents
What is Knoephla?
Knoephla is a type of dumpling. Dumplings are small pieces of dough. They are often cooked in boiling water or soup. Knoephla dumplings are usually made from simple ingredients. These include flour, eggs, and sometimes potatoes. They are shaped into small, round pieces.
How Knoephla is Made
Making Knoephla is a bit like making pasta. The dough is mixed and then rolled out. Small pieces are then cut or scraped off. These pieces are dropped into hot water or broth. They cook quickly until they are soft and ready to eat. Some recipes use potatoes in the dough. Other recipes are simpler, just using flour and eggs.
Knoephla Soup
Knoephla soup is a very popular way to enjoy these dumplings. It is a warm and filling meal. The soup usually has a creamy broth. It is often made with chicken and vegetables. Common vegetables include carrots and celery.
A Hearty Meal
This soup is known for being very thick. It is almost like a stew, not a thin soup. The potatoes in the soup make it even heartier. It is a perfect meal for cold days. Many families in the Midwest United States enjoy Knoephla soup. They often have their own special family recipes.
Where Knoephla is Popular
Knoephla is especially popular in the upper Midwest of the United States. This includes states like North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota. This is because many people from Germany settled there. These settlers often came from parts of the Russian Empire. They brought their food traditions with them.
German-Russian Heritage
These German emigrants kept their culture alive. Food was a big part of this. Knoephla is one example of a dish that traveled with them. It became a beloved part of their new home's cuisine. Today, it is a comfort food for many families in these states. It reminds them of their heritage.
