Gina'S German Knoepfla Soup
Gina's German Knoepfla Soup is a hearty, comforting dish featuring tender homemade noodle dumplings in a flavorful chicken broth with vegetables and creamy accents. Perfect for cold days or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 or 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 c. water ⓘ
- 3 1/2 c. flour ⓘ
- 1 tsp. baking powder ⓘ
- 2 (10 3/4 oz.) cans chicken broth ⓘ
- 3 c. diced potatoes ⓘ
- 1 c. diced celery ⓘ
- 3/4 c. diced onions ⓘ
- garlic, cut into small pieces (optional) ⓘ
- 1 c. half and half ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can cream of celery or chicken soup ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 4-quart kettle, boil chicken broth, potatoes, celery, onions, and garlic.
- Prepare the knoepfla dough by mixing flour, salt, baking powder, eggs, and water until stiff.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the boiling broth and vegetables.
- Cook until the vegetables are nearly done and the knoepfla are tender.
- Add half and half, cream of celery or chicken soup, salt, pepper, and celery salt.
- Cook for a few more minutes until heated through and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to the broth. If you're short on time, pre-made dumplings can be a quick substitute for knoepfla. Additionally, feel free to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version. Adjust the seasoning to taste, especially if using low-sodium broth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Gina's German Knoepfla Soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. This hearty soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a light appetizer like Madylon'S Mushroom Soup to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring gently to avoid breaking the dumplings. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gina'S German Knoepfla Soup contains roughly 462 calories, with 15g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (207% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), and iron (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2223mg per serving (97% 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 different vegetables in the soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate other vegetables such as carrots, peas, or green beans. Just ensure they are cut into similar sizes for even cooking. Adjust cooking time accordingly based on the vegetables you choose.
Is it possible to make this soup gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend specifically designed for baking. Ensure that all other ingredients, including the broth and soup, are gluten-free as well for a complete gluten-free dish.
How do I make the knoepfla more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor of the knoepfla, consider mixing in some grated cheese or finely chopped herbs into the dough. A pinch of nutmeg can also add a warm, subtle depth to the dumplings.
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).