Dumplings made of dough filled with potatoes and cheese

Potato dumplings filled with cheese - a traditional recipe, full of warmth and flavors, that evokes memories of lavish meals and moments spent with family. These dumplings, with a soft dough and a delicious filling, are perfect to be enjoyed at any time of the day.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Boiling time: 10 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 4 large potatoes, boiled with skin
- 1 egg
- Salt, to taste
- Flour, as needed (approximately 200-250 g)

For the filling:
- 300 g cheese (can be cottage cheese, telemea cheese, or feta cheese)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- Pepper, to taste

For decoration:
- Sour cream, to preference
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- 1 teaspoon butter (optional, for extra flavor)

Preparing the dumplings

1. Boiling the potatoes: Start by boiling the potatoes with their skin in a large pot of salted water. Make sure the water is salty enough, as this step will help enhance the flavor.

2. Cooling and mashing: After the potatoes have boiled (about 30-40 minutes, depending on their size), remove them from the water and let them cool slightly. Then, peel them and mash them well to obtain a smooth puree. It is important that there are no large chunks left, otherwise the dough will not be uniform.

3. Preparing the dough: Add salt, the egg, and flour gradually to the potato puree. Mix and knead gently until you obtain an elastic dough that does not stick to your hands. Take your time with this step, as well-kneaded dough will lead to fluffy and delicious dumplings.

4. Rolling out the dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a sheet about 3 mm thick. You can use a rolling pin to ensure you achieve an even thickness.

5. Shaping the dumplings: Using a glass or a cutter, cut circles from the dough. Place a tablespoon of the cheese filling (mixed with the egg, dill, green onion, and pepper) in the center of each circle. Fold the dough to form a semicircle and press the edges to seal them. If you are using a special mold, the process will be much easier. If not, you can use a fork to press the edges, ensuring that the filling does not leak during boiling.

Boiling the dumplings

6. Boiling: Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring it to a boil. When the water is boiling, carefully add the dumplings. They will rise to the surface, indicating that they are almost ready. Let them boil for another 3-4 minutes, then remove them with a slotted spatula and let them drain in a sieve.

Serving the dumplings

7. Seasoning: In a pan, melt the butter (optional) and add the boiled dumplings. Gently mix them so that they are coated with butter and acquire a delicious flavor.

8. Final serving: Transfer the dumplings to plates, pour sour cream generously on top, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. This presentation not only adds a pleasant appearance but also a fresh aroma to your dish.

Useful tips

- Choosing the cheese: You can experiment with different types of cheese. Cottage cheese will give a creamier texture, while telemea cheese will add a salty and intense note.
- Vegetarian option: You can omit the egg from the filling to obtain an egg-free version, ideal for those following a vegetarian diet.
- Perfect boiling: Make sure the water is still boiling when you add the dumplings. This way, they will maintain their shape and not stick together.
- Alternative serving: Instead of sour cream, you can try serving them with tomato sauce or even with a garlic yogurt sauce for a fresher taste.

Nutritional benefits

These dumplings are a good source of carbohydrates due to the potatoes, while the cheese provides valuable proteins and calcium. Dill and green onions bring vitamins and minerals, contributing to a nutritionally balanced dish.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling a day ahead and keep them in the fridge. Make sure to cover them well to prevent drying out.

2. How can I freeze the dumplings?
Uncooked dumplings can be frozen. Place them on a tray, let them freeze, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you want to cook them, boil them directly from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the cooking time.

3. What drinks pair well with this dish?
A pale beer or a dry white wine can perfectly accompany the dumplings, bringing a balance of flavors.

In conclusion, potato dumplings filled with cheese are an excellent choice for a delicious and comforting meal. With a little effort and love in preparation, they will surely become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy!