Mutti's Thüringer Klösse ❤️

➤ by Oma Gerhild Fulson

Thüringer Klösse are THE traditional potato dumpling made from raw potatoes. In Thuringia, a state in the center of Germany, it is said that, "a Sunday without dumplings is no Sunday at all."

What would Mutti serve with these dumplings? Almost anything with gravy. Of course, special were Rouladen. With that, was sweet/sour red cabbage as a side dish. Roast pork was another favorite. With that, Mutti often served Weisskohl. Above, I'm serving them with breaded pork chops and kale.

Another specialty Mutti had was Sauerbraten. Now that was a treat with these dumplings. This was a meal that Mutti would plan days in advance. The meat was always tender, and the gravy was so-o-o good with these potato dumplings.

My Memories of making these ...

I remember spending hours with my Mom making her Thüringer Klösse. My job? Peeling pounds and pounds of potatoes!

This, however, is not a pleasant memory.

Vati had built a potato storage bin in the basement under the stairs (As a child, the basement was my least favorite spot in the house!) Since the potatoes were already down there, and peeling can be a messy job, the laundry tubs were the place to do this.

Pounds and pounds of potatoes.

Or so it seemed. It was probably only about 10 pounds at a time, but for me, it seemed endless. Then grating them (OUCH - the fingers!). Then squeezing the grated potatoes to remove as much liquid as possible.

Then came mixing them with the other ingredients. Finally, they were ready to be cooked. A long process indeed! BUT I LOVED TO EAT THEM!!

Why are the two recipes below so different?

 ... because there is no ONE recipe for any dish, unless of course it's been copyrighted by someone. Traditional means 'handed-down' and my Mutti's recipe was handed down in her family ... and others have the 'same' recipe handed down in their family ... called the same thing, but a totally different recipe.

For example, there is no 'ONE traditional German potato salad' ... rather there are as many traditional German potato salads as there are Omas! 

So, if you're trying to replicate something you've eaten, ask that person for their recipe. If that's not possible, you may need to try various recipes, called the same thing, to get what you remember. On my site, you'll find things that are traditional for me, handed down by my Mutti and Oma. :)

Ready to make these potato dumplings?

Another recipe for Thüringer Klösse

One of my Facebook Fans sent in his recipe for these. Here's what Thomas Loeffler wrote:

The ingredients (and instructions) are as follows:

• ⅔ up to ¾ of potatoes to be used should be peeled, grated, and drained of as much water as possible.
• The remaining potatoes are cooked, and riced while hot.
• Meanwhile roast some cubed bread in butter, set aside (I usually leave them out of my dumplings).
• In meantime heat large pot of salted water to point of simmer.
• Mix hot riced and drained raw potatoes together, salt, and add hot milk as needed to make a dough that should be neither liquid nor too solid. On depending on moisture contents of potatoes this could be around 250... 300 mL for an original potato weight of 1500 G.
• Divide dough, for dumpling, and add a few roasted bread cubes in center (if desired).
• Slowly let them into the simmering water, making sure they have enough room to move inside without touching neighboring dumpling.
• Depending on type of potato used one may have to add potato starch (from pressed potato water/juice). This comes with experience after the first few attempts.

When dumplings are floating, they are removed from water, drained, and served immediately with meat, gravy, and cabbage. The dumpling should be torn apart with knife and fork prior being drenched with gravy.

I made dumplings a few times, and not every time they are a success. They easily fall apart if the mixture of potatoes and milk isn't right. 

Aber, Übung macht den Meister! :) (Translation: But, practice makes perfect!)

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Thanks, Thomas, for sending in your recipe!

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