Marillenknödel facts for kids
Marillenknödel covered in powdered sugar
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| Type | Pastry |
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| Place of origin | Austria Czech Republic |
| Main ingredients | Dough, apricots, bread crumbs, powdered sugar |
Marillenknödel are delicious apricot dumplings. They are a popular sweet treat from countries like Austria and the Czech Republic. Imagine a soft, sweet dumpling with a juicy apricot hidden inside! These tasty pastries are often covered in crispy breadcrumbs and a dusting of powdered sugar.
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What are Marillenknödel?
The word Marillen is how people in Austria say "apricot." Most other German-speaking places use the word Aprikose. So, Marillenknödel literally means "apricot dumplings." You will find these dumplings most often in areas where lots of apricots grow. Good examples are the Wachau region in Austria and the Vinschgau region in Italy.
How are Marillenknödel Made?
To make Marillenknödel, small dumplings are carefully shaped from dough. Inside each dumpling, a whole apricot (with its pit removed) or a mirabelle plum is placed.
The dumplings are then gently boiled in water that has a little salt in it. After boiling, they are rolled in crispy, fried bread crumbs. Finally, they are sprinkled with sweet powdered sugar.
What Kind of Dough is Used?
The dough for Marillenknödel is usually made from potatoes. This makes the dumplings soft and light. Sometimes, other types of dough are used too. These can include quark (a fresh cheese similar to yogurt) or choux pastry (a light pastry dough).
A Royal Request
Did you know that even emperors loved Marillenknödel? There is a famous story about Ferdinand I of Austria, who was an emperor. He once wanted Marillenknödel even when apricots were not in season! When told they couldn't be made, he famously said, "I am the Emperor and I want dumplings!" This shows how much people enjoy this special dessert.
Modern Twists on Marillenknödel
Today, you can even buy Marillenknödel as frozen meals. This makes it easy to enjoy them anytime. In Vienna, Austria, there is a famous ice cream shop called Kurt Tichy. They created a unique version called Eismarillenknödel. For these, the "dough" is made of ice cream, and the "crumbs" are a mix of nuts and sugar. It's a cool, sweet twist on the classic!
