Cheesy Potato Knipla Soup Recipe

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

• 6 baking potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 cups carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 cups finely chopped celery
• 1 cup diced onion
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 3 quarts water
• For Knipla:
• 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cups water
• For Cheese Sauce:
• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 quart milk
• 1 cup Cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Place the potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 3 quarts of water into a large pot. Bring to a boil over high heat while you proceed to make the knipla.
2. In a large bowl, combine 5 cups of flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Add the eggs and 1 cups of water. Mix until the dough comes together, which should take about two minutes.
3. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the dough becomes elastic.
4. Using kitchen scissors, snip off small pieces of the dough into the boiling soup. Let the knipla cook until they rise to the surface.
5. Once the knipla rise, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer while you prepare the cheese sauce.
6. For the cheese sauce: melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in 1 cup of flour and 2 teaspoons of salt.
7. Gradually pour in the milk while stirring constantly, and add the Cheddar cheese. Cook, stirring, until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
8. Pour the cheese sauce into the simmering soup, stirring to combine. Let the soup simmer for an additional 20 minutes, or until it is ready to serve.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 553
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 74g
• Protein: 15g

Nutrition Breakdown

Nutrition Fact	Amount	% Daily Value
Total Fat	22g	28%
Saturated Fat	13g	66%
Cholesterol	88mg	29%
Sodium	1227mg	53%
Total Carbohydrates	74g	27%
Dietary Fiber	5g	18%
Total Sugars	7g	-
Protein	15g	31%
Vitamin C	24mg	27%
Calcium	220mg	17%
Iron	4mg	23%
Potassium	805mg	17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Cheesy Potato Knipla Soup is a hearty and comforting dish with roots in German culinary tradition. This soup, enriched with the flavors of potatoes, vegetables, and small dumplings known as "knipla," offers a satisfying combination of textures and tastes. The addition of a creamy cheese sauce brings the dish to life, making it a perfect choice for a cozy meal on a chilly day.

History of the Dish

The origins of Knipla Soup can be traced back to the southern regions of Germany, particularly in the Bavarian area. The term "knipla" refers to small, soft dumplings that are often added to soups or stews. These dumplings are made from flour, eggs, and water, and they are designed to complement the texture of the soup by absorbing its flavors. Traditionally, the dish would be prepared in colder months when hearty, filling meals were needed to provide warmth and energy. The incorporation of cheese sauce is a modern twist, making the soup more indulgent and rich.

Regional Variations

While the Cheesy Potato Knipla Soup has become popular across Germany, regional variations exist. In some areas, the soup may include different root vegetables or be served without the cheese sauce, focusing solely on the dumplings and broth. In Bavaria, the dish is often paired with freshly baked pretzels, making it a complete meal. The use of cheese sauce is more common in American adaptations of the dish, where it has been modified to cater to modern tastes and preferences.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

What sets Cheesy Potato Knipla Soup apart from other similar German soups, such as Kartoffelsuppe (potato soup) or Eintopf (a type of hearty stew), is the inclusion of knipla dumplings. While Kartoffelsuppe may feature potatoes and vegetables in a broth-based soup, it typically lacks the dumplings that provide a chewy contrast. Eintopf, on the other hand, is more of a stew that might contain a variety of meats and vegetables. The Cheesy Potato Knipla Soup combines elements of both a hearty vegetable soup and a rich, cheesy sauce, giving it a unique and indulgent flavor profile.

Where It Is Typically Served

Cheesy Potato Knipla Soup is often served in family settings, especially during the colder months, as a filling and comforting meal. In Germany, it is a popular dish at gatherings and festivals, particularly in rural areas. In the United States, where many Germans settled, the dish is sometimes served in restaurants specializing in German cuisine or at family-run eateries that celebrate traditional German comfort food. It's also a popular dish for holiday meals and gatherings, especially for those looking for a taste of authentic German heritage.

Fun Facts About the Soup

• The name "knipla" comes from a dialect of southern Germany, where it refers to small, bite-sized dumplings.
• The cheese sauce is a modern American twist on the traditional German recipe, adding creaminess and richness to the soup.
• Although the soup is traditionally made with potatoes, it can also include other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips, depending on what is available locally.
• In some variations of the recipe, the knipla dumplings are made with potato instead of flour, adding a different texture to the dish.
• The soup is often enjoyed with a side of Bavarian pretzels, enhancing the authentic German experience.

This Cheesy Potato Knipla Soup is a wonderful representation of German culinary traditions, updated for modern tastes with the addition of a cheesy sauce. Whether you're making it for a cozy family meal or serving it at a gathering, this soup is sure to please all who taste it.

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