Csipetke

Csipetke Recipe from Hungary | All-Purpose Flour, Egg and Salt

Region / culture: Hungary | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Csipetke is a traditional Hungarian dumpling that is commonly added to soups for a hearty and comforting meal. These small, pinched-off pieces of dough add a unique texture and flavor to soups, making them a favorite among many Hungarian households.

History

Csipetke has been a staple in Hungarian cuisine for centuries, with its origins dating back to the country's rural regions. The name "csipetke" actually translates to "pinched noodles," which perfectly describes the process of making these small dumplings by pinching off pieces of dough.

Ingredients

How to prepare

To make a hard dough, knead 0.5 cup of flour and an egg together for about 5 minutes.
Allow the dough to rest for 15 minutes.
Cut the dough into 6 pieces and roll each piece to a thickness similar to that of a finger.
Each piece should be approximately 6 inches in length.
In a large pot, bring 4 qt (3.78 liters) of water with 1 tbsp of salt to a boil.
Sprinkle a little flour on the dough and pinch off small pieces.
Drop the pieces into the boiling water.
Using your thumb and index fingers, pinch off the dough pieces.
Boil the dumplings until they rise to the surface, then sample one to ensure it is cooked through.
You can add the csipetke directly into goulash soup, bean soup, or any other soup you are using it for.

Variations

Add chopped herbs such as parsley or dill to the dough for added flavor.
Use whole wheat flour for a healthier alternative.
Add grated cheese to the dough for a cheesy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to knead the dough well to achieve a hard consistency, which will help the dumplings hold their shape when cooked.

- Allow the dough to rest before rolling it out to ensure it is easier to work with.

- Pinch off small, bite-sized pieces of dough to create the perfect size for your soup.

- Boil the dumplings until they rise to the surface, indicating they are cooked through.

- Add the csipetke directly into your soup and allow it to simmer for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Csipetke is best served in traditional Hungarian soups such as goulash soup or bean soup. It adds a hearty and comforting element to these dishes.

Cooking Techniques

Csipetke is traditionally boiled in water until cooked through, then added directly to soups to simmer and absorb the flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are looking to make a gluten-free version of csipetke, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough for csipetke ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. Simply roll out the dough and pinch off pieces when you are ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Serve csipetke in a bowl of steaming hot soup, garnished with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Csipetke pairs well with a side of crusty bread and a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover csipetke can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply add the dumplings to a pot of simmering soup until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of csipetke contains approximately 100 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of csipetke contains approximately 15g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of csipetke contains approximately 2g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of csipetke contains approximately 4g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Csipetke is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Csipetke contains gluten from the all-purpose flour and egg, making it unsuitable for those with gluten allergies.

Summary

Csipetke is a carbohydrate-rich dish that is relatively low in fats and proteins. It is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Csipetke is a traditional Hungarian dumpling that adds a unique texture and flavor to soups. With a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can enjoy this comforting dish at home.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Csipetke. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the small village of Kisbér in Hungary. My grandmother was a renowned cook in our village, and I spent many hours watching her work her magic in the kitchen.

One day, as I was helping her prepare a batch of goulash, she pulled out a tattered old recipe book from the shelf. It was filled with handwritten notes and splattered with various stains from years of use. She flipped through the pages until she found the recipe she was looking for – Csipetke.

I had never heard of Csipetke before, but my grandmother explained that it was a traditional Hungarian dumpling that was often served with soups and stews. She told me that the recipe had been passed down through our family for generations, and that it was a special dish that we only made on special occasions.

As she read through the ingredients and instructions, I watched in awe as she effortlessly mixed the flour, eggs, and water together to form a soft dough. She then rolled out the dough into a thin sheet and cut it into small, irregularly shaped pieces. These pieces were then pinched together between her fingers to create the Csipetke dumplings.

I was mesmerized by the way my grandmother worked, her hands moving with such skill and precision. She told me that making Csipetke was a labor of love, and that each dumpling was a small piece of her heart that she put into every dish she made.

After the Csipetke dumplings were made, my grandmother dropped them into a pot of boiling water and watched as they floated to the surface, perfectly cooked and ready to be served. She ladled some of the goulash broth into a bowl and added a generous portion of Csipetke on top. The aroma that wafted up from the bowl was heavenly, and I couldn't wait to taste my first bite.

As I took my first spoonful of the Csipetke and goulash, I was transported back in time to a simpler era, when life was slower and meals were meant to be savored and enjoyed. The Csipetke dumplings were light and fluffy, with a slightly chewy texture that perfectly complemented the rich flavors of the goulash. It was a meal that warmed my soul and filled my belly with happiness.

From that day on, Csipetke became a staple in our household, a dish that we would make together on lazy Sunday afternoons or for special family gatherings. My grandmother taught me everything she knew about cooking, passing down her knowledge and recipes with love and patience.

And now, as I stand in my own kitchen, making Csipetke for my own family, I can't help but smile as I think of my grandmother and the legacy she left behind. Her recipes may have come from various places and people over the years, but the love and care she put into each dish will always be a part of me.

I am grateful for the memories she created with me in the kitchen, and I hope to pass down her recipes and traditions to future generations. Each time I make Csipetke, I am reminded of the strong women who came before me, and the bond we shared over a simple dumpling dish that brought us together in love and nourishment.