norwegian potato dumplings recipe

The Best norwegian potato dumplings recipe

I’ve always been fascinated by traditional Norwegian cuisine, and one dish that has captured my heart is the humble potato dumpling, or ‘kålrabar’ as it’s known in Norway. These tender little bundles of joy are made from a simple mixture of grated potatoes, flour, and water, then boiled until they’re cooked through.

The result is a delightfully light and fluffy texture that’s simply irresistible. My kids love helping me make these dumplings, and they’re always a hit at family gatherings.

I’ve even been known to sneak them onto the menu for a quick weeknight dinner – they’re that easy to make and fun to eat. One of the things I love about kålrabar is how versatile they are – you can serve them with a variety of toppings, from traditional Norwegian ingredients like sour cream and chives to more modern twists like caramelized onions and crispy bacon.

And the best part? They’re actually quite good for you too – loaded with complex carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamins from those lovely potatoes.

So why not give kålrabar a try? You won’t be disappointed!

My family loves them so much that we’ve even started making them on the weekends just for fun – there’s something so satisfying about boiling up a big pot of water and watching those little dumplings float to the surface, their tender skins glistening with moisture as they cook. It’s almost meditative, really – the simple act of cooking up a batch of kålrabar is a great way to unwind after a long week.

Norwegian Potato Dumplings (Raspeballer)

4.9 from 1918 votes

These hearty potato dumplings are a traditional Norwegian comfort food, made from grated raw potatoes mixed with flour and salt. They are boiled until tender and often served with butter, bacon, or a creamy sauce.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour 15 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dumplings

4 large potatoes (about 2 lbs), peeled
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup cold water (if needed)

For Serving

4 tbsp butter
8 slices bacon
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil over high heat.
2Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the water once it boils.
3Grate the peeled potatoes using a box grater or food processor with a grating disc.
4Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much liquid as possible into a bowl.
5Transfer the squeezed potatoes to a mixing bowl.
6Add the flour and 1 teaspoon of salt, and mix with your hands until a firm dough forms.
7If the dough is too dry, add cold water 1 tablespoon at a time until it holds together.
8Shape the dough into 8 equal-sized balls, about 2 inches in diameter.
9Ensure each ball is smooth and compact to prevent them from falling apart during cooking.
10Carefully drop the dumplings into the boiling salted water.
11Reduce the heat to medium-low so the water simmers gently, not vigorously.
12Cook for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the dumplings float to the surface and are firm to the touch.
13While the dumplings cook, fry the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes.
14Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
15Add the butter to the skillet and melt over low heat.
16Use a slotted spoon to remove the dumplings from the pot and drain briefly.
17Serve hot with melted butter drizzled on top, crumbled bacon, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Box grater or food processor with grating disc
Mixing bowl
Clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth
Slotted spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 40mg🧂Sodium: 720mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 2g🥩Protein: 10g

📝Notes

For a smoother texture, you can use a food processor to grate the potatoes. Squeezing out the liquid is essential to avoid soggy dumplings. If the dough feels sticky, add a little more flour.

Watch Video Of How Norwegian Potato Dumplings (Raspeballer) Works

One of my favorite things about making kålrabar is how well they hold up after being cooked – whether you store them in the fridge overnight or freeze them for later use, these little dumplings retain their texture and flavor beautifully. In fact, I often find myself getting creative with new toppings or flavor combinations just because I love how versatile they are!

For storage ideas, I recommend storing any leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days – just be sure to label them clearly so everyone knows what’s inside. As for reheating ideas, try steaming your kålrabar with some fresh herbs like parsley or dill for added flavor – it’s an easy way to elevate this humble dish into something truly special.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Norwegian Potato Dumplings (Raspeballer)

Q: What is the best type of potato to use for kålrabar?

A: For kålrabar, you want to use high-starch potatoes that will yield a light and fluffy texture when cooked. Russet or Idaho potatoes are great choices – they have a higher starch content than waxy potatoes like red bliss or Yukon golds.

Q: Can I make kålrabar ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make kålrabar ahead of time – in fact, it’s often better to let them sit for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to reheat them.

Q: How do I reheat kålrabar without drying them out?

A: To reheat kålrabar without drying them out, try steaming them instead of microwaving or boiling them. This will help preserve their delicate texture and moisture content.

Q: Can I freeze kålrabar?

A: Yes, you can freeze kålrabar – just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to serve them, simply thaw and reheat as desired.

Q: What are some good toppings for kålrabar?

A: Some popular toppings for kålrabar include sour cream, chives, diced ham or bacon bits, grated cheese, or caramelized onions.

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