These potato dumplings go by many names. They are called iron dumplings, grey dumplings, spoon dumplings, or kładzioki. They are made from potato dough, which is dropped directly into salted boiling water using a spoon or a kitchen syringe. This dish is fantastic for many reasons. First is the taste—anyone who has eaten them knows that iron dumplings are simply delicious. Another reason is that they are very cheap to make and relatively quick. And of course, they go well with many additives. They are delicious in the old Polish style—with bacon bits or pork jowl, always with onions. They are also perfect with sauces, goulash, or just with a dollop of sour cream.
Iron Dumplings - Old-Style Dinner Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 kg potatoes, preferably high-starch
- 1 cup wheat flour
- 2 tablespoons potato flour (you can use less if the potatoes have high starch content)
- 1 medium onion
- 2 eggs
- Salt, pepper to taste
To serve: mushroom sauce, rendered bacon, bacon bits with onions
Method:
Prepare the Potatoes:
- Peel and grate the potatoes on the smallest, roughest grater holes (as you would for potato pancakes). You can also grind them in a meat grinder. Lightly salt the grated potatoes.
Drain and Save the Starch:
- Set the bowl with potatoes aside for a moment, then squeeze out the excess liquid from the potatoes. Do not discard the liquid—pour it into a bowl and wait for the starch to settle at the bottom. Then, pour off the water and add the starch back to the potatoes.
Mix the Dough:
- Add the flour to the potatoes, crack in the eggs, and add the finely grated onion. Start working the mixture, gradually adding a bit of potato flour. If you add too much at once, the dumplings will turn out hard.
Cook the Dumplings:
- Prepare a pot and bring water to a boil with salt and a bit of oil or butter. Transfer the dough to a lid (or cutting board) and use a spoon to slide small portions of dough directly into the boiling water.
- Cook the iron dumplings for about 4-5 minutes from the time they float to the surface, depending on their size. Serve with your favorite toppings or as a starchy side dish for main courses.
Tip:
- If you want your dumplings to be smaller and more uniform in shape, transfer the potato dough to a kitchen syringe or a plastic bag with a cut corner. Then squeeze the dough directly into the boiling water.
- Enjoy your delicious, hearty, and traditional iron dumplings!
