German Liver Dumplings
German Liver Dumplings are savory, tender meatballs flavored with liver, onions, and herbs, simmered in broth and topped with sautéed onions—a comforting dish rich in flavor and tradition.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together hamburger, ground liver, soaked rolls, one chopped onion, eggs, flour, bread crumbs, marjoram, salt, and pepper until the mixture is soft but can be shaped.
- Form the mixture into balls of desired size and drop them into hot beef broth.
- Simmer the dumplings for 20 to 30 minutes until they rise and are cooked through.
- Remove the dumplings from broth when done.
- Saute the second chopped onion in butter until golden.
- Pour the sautéed onions over the cooked dumplings and serve with sauerkraut or mashed potatoes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, blend the soaked rolls into a paste before mixing with the other ingredients. If you don't have marjoram, try using thyme or oregano as substitutes. Ensure the broth is at a gentle simmer to prevent the dumplings from breaking apart. For added flavor, consider incorporating sautéed garlic into the mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the dumplings topped with the sautéed onions for added richness. They pair wonderfully with sauerkraut or creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. For a complete dining experience, consider serving with a side of pickled vegetables or a light salad to balance the richness of the dumplings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently simmer them in beef broth to maintain their moisture and avoid drying out. You can also microwave them, but add a little broth to keep them from becoming tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of German Liver Dumplings contains roughly 1312 calories, with 35g protein, 219g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (119% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (105% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2259mg per serving (98% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of liver for this recipe?
Yes, you can use chicken or pork liver if you prefer. Chicken liver will provide a milder flavor, while pork liver has a richer taste. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if necessary, as different types of liver may cook at varying rates.
What can I do if the dumpling mixture is too dry?
If your mixture feels dry and crumbly, add a little more beaten egg or a splash of beef broth to help bind it together. This will make it easier to form the dumplings without compromising their texture.
How can I make these dumplings gluten-free?
To make gluten-free dumplings, substitute the flour and bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives such as almond flour or gluten-free bread crumbs. Be sure to check the labels to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).