Desserts > European Desserts > German

Classic Germknödel with Vanilla Sauce Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 500g all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup lukewarm water
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup apricot jam
- 1/4 cup poppy seeds
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped

Special equipment needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Stand mixer with dough hook attachment
- Plastic wrap
- Steamer basket
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Serving dish

Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. Add the melted butter, warm milk, lukewarm water, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
5. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and shape them into balls. Flatten each ball and place a spoonful of apricot jam in the center. Pinch the edges together to seal the jam inside.
6. Place the dumplings in a steamer basket and steam for 20 minutes.
7. In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and vanilla bean. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
8. Remove the vanilla bean and strain the sauce through a fine-mesh strainer.
9. Serve the Germknödel with the vanilla sauce, poppy seeds, and powdered sugar.


Time:
Preparation time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
5. Temperature:
Steaming temperature: 100°C
Sauce temperature: Medium heat
Serving size:
8 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 490
Total fat: 22g
Saturated fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 68mg
Sodium: 176mg
Total carbohydrates: 68g
Dietary fiber: 3g
Total sugars: 32g
Protein: 8g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Apricot jam can be substituted with any other fruit jam.
- Poppy seeds can be substituted with sesame seeds or chopped nuts.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half or whole milk.

Variations:
- Instead of vanilla sauce, serve the Germknödel with melted butter and cinnamon sugar.
- Add raisins or chopped nuts to the dough before shaping the dumplings.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the dough is kneaded well to ensure a fluffy texture.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place to activate the yeast.
- Pinch the edges of the dumplings tightly to prevent the jam from leaking out.
- Serve the Germknödel immediately after steaming for the best texture.

Storage instructions:
Store any leftover Germknödel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
To reheat, steam the dumplings for 5-10 minutes until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the Germknödel on a large platter with the vanilla sauce drizzled over the top. Sprinkle poppy seeds and powdered sugar on top for a decorative touch.

Garnishes:
Poppy seeds and powdered sugar are traditional garnishes for Germknödel. Fresh fruit or whipped cream can also be used.

Pairings:
Germknödel pairs well with hot tea or coffee.

Suggested side dishes:
Serve Germknödel as a dessert after a hearty meal of German sausages and sauerkraut.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a little more warm milk or water.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
- If the dumplings are tough, they may have been overcooked. Reduce the steaming time by a few minutes.

Food safety advice:
Make sure the dough is cooked through before serving to prevent foodborne illness.

Food history:
Germknödel is a traditional Austrian and Bavarian dessert that is typically served at Christmas markets and other festive events.

Flavor profiles:
Germknödel has a sweet and fruity flavor from the apricot jam, with a nutty crunch from the poppy seeds. The vanilla sauce adds a creamy and aromatic touch.

Serving suggestions:
Serve Germknödel warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

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Region: Austrian

Taste: Sweet, Creamy, Savory, Comforting