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Knedle- Not an Original Croatian Dish That We Consider Very Croatian!

Maybe this dish isn't originally a Croatian dish but if you ask about Knedle (dumplings) in Central Croatia, everybody will tell you these balls are something very representative of our cuisine, true comfort food, and something we love to eat and share with our families during the plum season in late summer. As well, we freeze them so they are available all year long, you can imagine the importance they have in Central Croatia.  

Knedle are a traditional food in many Eastern European countries and form small, boiled, or baked balls of dough that are typically made from potatoes, flour, and eggs, and can be filled with a variety of sweet or savory ingredients.   

Knedle has been a staple of Croatian cuisine for centuries. They are believed to have originated in the northern regions of Croatia, where they were often served as a side dish with meat and gravy. Over time, different regions of the country developed their variations of the dish, using different types of fillings and cooking methods. 

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Without a doubt, the most popular type of Croatian Knedle are the plum dumplings or Knedle sa šljivama. These are made by wrapping a whole softer plum in a ball of potato dough, then boiling or baking the dumplings until they are soft and fluffy. The plums become warm and juicy inside the dough, creating a delicious burst of flavor with each bite. As well, we sometimes add cinnamon to plum to have more flavor. 
Another popular variation of Knedle is the cheese dumpling. These are made by filling the potato dough with a mixture of fresh cheese and eggs, then boiling the dumplings until they are cooked through. The cheese filling becomes warm and gooey inside the dough, creating a delicious and comforting meal. 

Photo: Adobe Stock

Knedle is often served as a main course or as a dessert. They can be topped with a variety of sauces, including melted butter, sour cream, or even fruit preserves. In northern parts of Croatia, Knedle is also eaten as a breakfast food, served with coffee or tea. 

Beyond their delicious taste, Knedle hold a special place in Croatian culture. They are a symbol of tradition and family and are often served during special occasions and holidays. For example, Knedle sa šljivama are traditionally served during the late summer months, when plums are in season. Cheese dumplings, on the other hand, are often served during Lent, as they are a meatless alternative to traditional Croatian dishes. 

Here are some of the fun facts about Knedle: 

1. In some regions of Croatia, Knedle are made with a mixture of potatoes and bread crumbs, giving them a unique texture and flavor. 
2. Knedle are often served alongside goulash, a hearty stew made with meat and vegetables. 
3. While plum and cheese are the most popular fillings for Knedle, they can also be filled with fruit such as apples, cherries, apricots, or chocolate. 
4. In addition to being boiled or baked, Knedle can also be fried, giving them a crispy outer layer and a soft, doughy center. 
5. There are many different shapes and sizes of Knedle, ranging from small, bite-sized balls to larger, oval-shaped dumplings. 
6. Some variations of Knedle are served with breadcrumbs and sugar, creating a sweet, crunchy topping. 
7. While Knedle are traditionally made with potatoes, some modern versions use other types of starches such as rice flour or cornmeal. 
 
Overall, Knedle are a versatile, delicious, and beloved dish that has been a part of Croatian cuisine for generations. They have a rich history and cultural significance and are enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you prefer them sweet or savory, boiled or baked, there's no denying the appeal of these comforting and satisfying dumplings. There's always a type of Knedle out there for everyone to enjoy. Don't miss trying them!