Knödel facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Knödel

Knödel
Type	Dumpling
Region or state	Central Europe
Main ingredients	Potatoes or bread or flour

Knödel (say "KNO-del") or Klöße (say "KLEU-seh") are yummy, round dumplings. They are usually boiled or poached in hot water. These tasty treats are a big part of cooking in Austria, Germany, Hungary, and the Czech Republic.

Knödel are made from different things like potatoes, bread, or flour. They don't use yeast. Most of the time, people eat them as a side dish with meat. But you can also find them as a sweet dessert or even floating in a soup!

What are Knödel and Klöße?

Sauerbraten with Knödel

Knödel and Klöße are both types of dumplings. They are often large and soft. You can find them in many shapes and sizes. The ingredients used to make them can change a lot.

Some are made mostly from flour. Others use mashed or grated potatoes. Old bread or a special grain called semolina can also be used. This makes each type of dumpling unique and delicious.

Different Names for Dumplings

These dumplings have different names in different countries.

• In Hungary, they are called gombóc.
• In the Czech Republic, they are known as knedlík.
• In Luxembourg, you might hear Kniddel(en).
• In Italy, they are called canederli.

Types of Potato and Semolina Dumplings

Klöße are often made from raw or mashed potatoes. They are mixed with eggs and flour. Then they are boiled until soft.

• Grießklößchen: These are small, light dumplings. They are made from semolina, egg, and milk. You often find them in clear soups.
• Thüringer Klöße: These special dumplings come from a region in Germany called Thuringia. They are made from a mix of raw and boiled potatoes. Sometimes, they have a yummy surprise inside, like small pieces of bread (croutons) or ham.

Sweet Knödel Treats

Plum dumpling, called Zwetschgenknödel

Not all Knödel are savory! Some are sweet and served as dessert.

• Zwetschkenknödel: These are popular in Austria and Hungary. They are made by wrapping potato dough around a whole plum or apricot. After boiling, they are rolled in sweet, buttery breadcrumbs. They are a super sweet and fruity treat!
• Topfenknödel: These dumplings are made with a soft, fresh cheese called quark (or Topfen). They are usually topped with cinnamon sugar. People often eat them with apple sauce or a crumbly topping called streusel.

Images for kids

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  Kartoffelknödel with Schweinsbraten

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  Grießklößchen

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  Hungarian túrógombóc, made with semolina flour and túró (curd cheese), rolled in breadcrumbs, and served with sour cream and sugar

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  Topfenknödel

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  Kartoffelklöße

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  Aprikosenknödel, knödel with apricot filling

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  Speckknödel in soup

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  Spare ribs with Klöße

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  Leberknödelsuppe (liver dumplings in beef stock)

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  Germknödel, dumpling with a mix of poppy seeds and sugar, filled with spicy plum jam

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  Knödel boiling

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  Serviettenkloß

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  Speckknödel

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  Braised pork served with Serviettenknödeln

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  Tiroler Käseknödelsuppe, clear broth served with bread-and-cheese dumplings

See also

In Spanish: Kloß para niños