Potato Balls(Komper)
Potato Balls (Komper) are savory, filling dumplings with bacon and oatmeal, perfect for hearty meals, served with butter, and versatile for hot or cold snacks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil lightly salted water in a large heavy kettle.
- Grate or grind the peeled raw potatoes and strain the grated potatoes.
- Discard the liquid from the strained potatoes.
- Put the grated potatoes into a large bowl.
- Add oatmeal, salt, and enough flour to form balls in the palm of your hand.
- Dip a large spoon in cold water to help shape the balls.
- Place cut-up bacon in the middle of each ball and roll to cover the bacon.
- Drop the balls into boiling, salted water.
- Keep the water boiling constantly.
- Boil for about 1 hour, shaking and moving the balls around carefully with a wooden spoon to prevent sticking.
- Serve the potato balls with butter.
- They may be served with or without broth.
- They can also be served cold, sliced, and fried in butter on both sides.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure that the grated potatoes are well-drained before mixing with the other ingredients. If you want to reduce carbs, consider substituting some of the flour with almond flour. Make sure to keep the water at a rolling boil to prevent the potato balls from breaking apart. For a twist, try adding herbs or spices to the mixture for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the potato balls warm, drizzled with melted butter for richness. They pair wonderfully with a side of Polish Style Cabbage (Kapusta) for a complete meal or can be enjoyed as an appetizer. For a unique twist, slice and fry the cooled potato balls in butter for a crispy snack that complements any gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover potato balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pan-fry them in a bit of butter until heated through and crispy on the outside. Alternatively, you can microwave them, but the texture may not be as appealing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Potato Balls(Komper) contains roughly 241 calories, with 5g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of potassium (13% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (10% 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 sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, you can use sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile. However, be aware that the texture may vary, and you might need to adjust the flour amount to achieve the right consistency for shaping the balls.
How can I make these potato balls vegan?
To make the potato balls vegan, omit the bacon and consider using a plant-based alternative or leave them plain. You can add a bit of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or incorporate sautéed vegetables for added nutrition and taste.
What should I serve with potato balls?
Potato balls are versatile and can be served with various sides. They pair beautifully with sour cream, applesauce, or a light salad. For a heartier meal, serve them alongside meats or a warm broth for dipping.
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).