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Potato Clene Recipe - A Nostalgic Delight

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4

If you are looking for a quick and delicious dessert, potato clenes are the perfect choice! These sweet treats, easy to prepare, are a wonderful combination of textures, with a soft and fluffy base, covered with a crunchy sweetness of breadcrumbs. So let's get to work and discover together how to prepare this traditional recipe!

Ingredients needed

- 3 boiled potatoes (approximately 400g)
- 1 large egg
- 5 tablespoons of sugar (for the dough)
- Flour as needed (approximately 200-250g)
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
- 100g sugar (for serving mixture)
- 100g breadcrumbs

A brief history

Potato clenes are a dessert that many of us discovered in childhood, often made by grandparents or parents on festive days. This recipe is a testament to culinary creativity, using simple and accessible ingredients, transforming them into a true delicacy. It is a perfect example of how food can bring memories and joy into our lives.

Step by step

1. Preparing the potatoes: Start by boiling the whole potatoes, with skin, in salted water for about 20-30 minutes, until they are completely cooked. Then, let them cool slightly and peel them. Mash the potatoes with a fork until you get a fine puree. It is essential that the puree is as homogeneous as possible to achieve a uniform dough.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, add the potato puree, egg, the 5 tablespoons of sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix the ingredients well using a spatula. Then, start gradually adding flour, mixing continuously, until you obtain a soft but non-sticky dough. If it feels too sticky, add more flour a little at a time.

3. Forming the clenes: On a lightly floured surface, divide the dough into small portions. Roll each portion into thin rolls, about 1 cm in diameter. Then, cut the rolls into small pieces of about 3-4 cm. These will turn into delicious clenes!

4. Boiling the clenes: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add salt. When the water is boiling, carefully add the pieces of dough. Boil them for 5-7 minutes, or until they rise to the surface. This is an indication that they are ready! Tasty and fluffy, the clenes are now almost ready to be enjoyed.

5. Breadcrumb mixture: In a pan, toast the breadcrumbs over medium heat, stirring constantly until golden. Add the sugar (100g) and mix well, so that the breadcrumbs caramelize slightly. This mixture will give the clenes a sweet and crunchy taste.

6. Serving: After the clenes have boiled, drain them and mix them with the caramelized breadcrumbs. Serve them warm, but don't worry, they are delicious even cold. You can decorate them with a little powdered sugar on top for an even more appealing look.

Practical tips

- Choosing potatoes: Use waxy boiled potatoes, as they have less moisture and will turn into a drier puree, ideal for the dough.
- Vanilla extract: If you want a more intense flavor, you can replace the vanilla extract with vanilla paste or the seeds from a vanilla pod.
- Variations: You can experiment with different spices, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, to add a touch of originality to your clenes. You can also add pieces of dried fruit, such as raisins or apricots, to the dough.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use sweet potatoes? Absolutely! Sweet potatoes offer a distinct flavor and vibrant color to the clenes.
- What other toppings can I use? You can serve them with chocolate sauce, sour cream, or Greek yogurt for a delicious contrast.
- How can I store the clenes? They can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat them in a pan to restore their crunchy texture.

Delicious combinations

Potato clenes pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or aromatic coffee. You can also serve them alongside apple sauce or fruit compote to add a touch of freshness.

Now that you have all the necessary information, it's time to get started on this simple and quick potato clene recipe! The final delight will surely reward you, and each bite will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Cook with love and enjoy the fruits of your labor!