Polish Dumplings
Polish dumplings, tender and cheesy, with creamy cottage cheese and mashed potatoes, shaped into delicate fingers perfect for hearty meals or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the cottage cheese, eggs, salt, melted butter, and mashed potatoes together in a mixer on medium speed, then finish mixing by hand.
- Add flour gradually, working with a wooden spoon and then with hands, until about 4 1/2 cups of flour are incorporated into the dough.
- Break off small, apple-sized chunks of dough.
- Flour your hands and roll each chunk between your palms to form a rope, then cut into approximately 1-inch pieces, dropping them onto a floured cookie sheet.
- Flour your hands again and roll each piece between your palms to look like 'little fingers.' Place these on a floured cookie sheet.
- Continue shaping the rest of the dough into dumplings.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, use ricotta instead of cottage cheese. If the dough feels too sticky, add a bit more flour gradually. To prevent the dumplings from sticking to each other, ensure they are well-floured after shaping. Consider making a double batch and freezing some for quick meals. Pair them with a nice sauce or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the dumplings with a drizzle of melted butter and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives. They pair beautifully with Scrambled Eggs With Tomatoes for a hearty breakfast or as a side dish to a protein like grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms. A side of sour cream or applesauce can enhance their flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, steam them for a few minutes or sauté in a pan with a little butter until warmed through. You can also freeze uncooked dumplings on a floured cookie sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Polish Dumplings contains roughly 1149 calories, with 12g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 85g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (43% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1836mg per serving (80% 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 types of cheese for the dumplings?
Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses like ricotta or farmer's cheese for a different flavor. Just ensure the cheese has a similar moisture content to cottage cheese to maintain the right texture in the dough.
How do I know when the dumplings are cooked?
Dumplings are typically cooked when they float to the surface in boiling water. Allow them to simmer for a couple of minutes once they rise to ensure they are fully cooked through.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before shaping and cooking 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).