Kulma(Norwegian Potato Balls, Or Something Like Them)
Norwegian Potato Balls are hearty, comforting dumplings with tender potatoes and savory ham, perfect for family meals or cozy gatherings with rich flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the ham hock in a large pot of water for 2 hours.
- Remove the ham hock from the water and set aside.
- Mix grated raw potatoes with salt, baking powder, and flour to form a dough.
- Form the potato mixture into dumplings about the size of a snowball.
- Drop the dumplings into the water or broth used for cooking the ham hock.
- Cover and cook the dumplings for 45 minutes until they are cooked through.
- Remove the dumplings from the water and serve on a platter with the ham.
- Slice open each dumpling as you would a baked potato and add butter before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, make sure to squeeze excess moisture from the grated potatoes. If you don’t have a ham hock, smoked sausage or even a vegetarian broth can be great substitutes for flavor. Consider adding chopped herbs like dill or parsley to the dough for extra flavor. Ensure the dumplings are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the kulma with the cooked ham hock on the side for a hearty meal. They pair wonderfully with sides like German Red Cabbage(Sweet And Sour) or Dilled Potato Salad With Wurst for a complete dish. For a comforting touch, drizzle melted butter over the dumplings before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover kulma can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, steam the dumplings or warm them gently in the microwave with a little water to prevent them from drying out. Avoid boiling them again, as this may affect their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kulma(Norwegian Potato Balls, Or Something Like Them) contains roughly 1172 calories, with 17g protein, 164g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (89% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (69% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1896mg per serving (82% 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 cooked potatoes instead of raw?
Using cooked potatoes will change the texture of the dumplings, making them denser. It's best to stick with raw grated potatoes to achieve the desired light and fluffy consistency. If you need a quicker option, consider making potato gnocchi instead.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make kulma vegetarian, substitute the ham hock with a vegetable broth or a hearty mushroom broth for depth of flavor. You can also enhance the dish with roasted vegetables or serve it alongside a salad for added nutrition.
What type of flour is best for this recipe?
All-purpose flour works well for this recipe, providing the right balance for the dumplings. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, consider using a gluten-free flour blend, but be aware that the texture might differ slightly.
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).