Schnitz Un Knepp(Apples And Buttons)
Schnitz Un Knepp is a hearty traditional Moravian dish featuring tender smoked ham, sweet dried apples, and fluffy dumplings. Its comforting flavors and rustic charm make it perfect for a family meal or special occasion, combining savory, sweet, and soft textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cover dried apples with water and soak overnight.
- In the morning, cover ham with cold water and boil for 3 hours.
- Add the soaked apples and the water in which they have been soaked to the pot with ham and continue to boil for another hour.
- Add brown sugar to the pot.
- Make dumplings by sifting flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper together three times.
- Stir in the well-beaten egg, milk, and melted butter (shortening).
- Drop the batter by spoonfuls into the hot liquid with ham and apples.
- Cover the kettle tightly and cook the dumplings for 15 minutes.
- Serve piping hot on a large platter.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of fresh and dried apples. If you have leftover ham, feel free to substitute it in place of the smoked ham. You can also experiment with different flours, like whole wheat or gluten-free blends, to adjust the dumpling texture to your liking. Make sure not to overmix the dumpling batter for a lighter result.
Serving Suggestions
Schnitz Un Knepp is best served hot on a large platter, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color. Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the dish. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Macaroni And Vegetable Medley for a hearty and satisfying dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Schnitz Un Knepp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to reheat, gently warm the dish on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water to keep the dumplings moist. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the dumplings rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Schnitz Un Knepp(Apples And Buttons) contains roughly 1016 calories, with 13g protein, 207g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (46% of the Daily Value), protein (25% of the Daily Value), and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1021mg per serving (44% 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 fresh apples instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh apples, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Fresh apples will require less soaking and may need to be added later in the cooking process to avoid becoming mushy. Aim for a balance between the sweetness of the apples and the savory ham.
What can I substitute for brown sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar, you can substitute it with an equal amount of white sugar mixed with a teaspoon of molasses. This will replicate the flavor profile of brown sugar, adding the necessary sweetness and depth to the dish.
How do I know when the dumplings are done?
The dumplings are done when they have puffed up and are no longer sticky to the touch. They should be cooked through, which typically takes about 15 minutes covered in the boiling liquid. You can also cut one dumpling in half to check for doneness.
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).