Dumplings with Feta Cheese

Dumplings with Feta Cheese Recipe from Bulgaria - Delicious and Easy to Make

Region / culture: Bulgaria | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Dumplings with Feta Cheese is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of tender potatoes, tangy feta cheese, and savory bacon. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.

History

Dumplings with Feta Cheese is a traditional dish that originated in Eastern Europe, where dumplings are a popular comfort food. The addition of feta cheese and bacon adds a unique twist to this classic recipe, creating a dish that is both comforting and flavorful.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) uncooked potatoes
0.75 lb (340 g) fine whole wheat flour
0.5 lb (227 g) feta cheese
0.25 lb (113 g) smoked bacon
1 tsp salt
1 tsp butter

How to prepare

Grate the peeled raw potatoes and combine with flour, adding a little water if necessary. Add salt.
Shape the mixture into balls and rinse with cold water. Transfer to a pot of boiling salted water and cook for 20 minutes.
Once the balls float to the surface, remove them from the water, rinse with water, and mix with feta cheese.
Serve with bacon, cut into small pieces, and mix with feta cheese.
Fry the mixture in butter.

Variations

Substitute the feta cheese with goat cheese or blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
Add chopped herbs like chives or thyme to the dumpling mixture for added freshness.
Use turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon as a healthier alternative to smoked bacon.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to grate the potatoes finely to ensure that the dumplings hold together well.

- Rinse the dumplings with cold water after cooking to prevent them from sticking together.

- Be careful not to overcook the dumplings, as they can become mushy.

- Fry the dumplings in butter for a crispy and golden exterior.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Dumplings with Feta Cheese hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or dill. Pair with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for this recipe include grating the potatoes finely, shaping the dumplings, boiling them in salted water, and frying them in butter.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have feta cheese, you can use ricotta or cottage cheese as a substitute. You can also use regular bacon or pancetta instead of smoked bacon.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dumpling mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to cook. The cooked dumplings can also be stored in the refrigerator for a few days and reheated before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Dumplings with Feta Cheese in a decorative bowl or plate, garnished with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of paprika for color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Dumplings with Feta Cheese with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red wine like Pinot Noir. A side of pickles or sauerkraut complements the flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Dumplings with Feta Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Dumplings with Feta Cheese contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Dumplings with Feta Cheese contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Dumplings with Feta Cheese contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Dumplings with Feta Cheese contains approximately 10 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Dumplings with Feta Cheese are a good source of vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (feta cheese) and gluten (flour), so it may not be suitable for individuals with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Dumplings with Feta Cheese are a balanced meal that provides carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Dumplings with Feta Cheese is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner. With a balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential nutrients, this recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal option.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a strong memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Dumplings with Feta Cheese. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Greece. My grandmother, who was known for her delicious cooking, had invited a group of friends over for a dinner party. As I watched her bustling around the kitchen, preparing all sorts of delectable dishes, I couldn't help but be in awe of her culinary skills.

One of the dishes she was making that night was Dumplings with Feta Cheese. I had never seen or tasted anything like it before, and I was curious to learn more about how it was made. So, I pulled up a chair next to her and watched as she expertly mixed together the dough, rolled it out into small circles, filled them with a mixture of feta cheese, herbs, and spices, and then folded them over to create little dumplings.

As she worked, she told me the story of how she had learned to make this dish. It turned out that the recipe had been passed down to her from her own grandmother, who had learned it from a close friend many years ago. The friend had been a talented cook who loved to experiment with different flavors and ingredients, and she had come up with the recipe for Dumplings with Feta Cheese after a particularly successful day of foraging in the countryside.

My grandmother's eyes sparkled with nostalgia as she recounted how she had watched her grandmother make the dumplings when she was a young girl, just like I was now. She remembered how her grandmother would sing softly to herself as she worked, her hands moving with precision and grace as she formed each dumpling with love and care.

After the dumplings were assembled, my grandmother placed them in a pot of boiling water and let them simmer until they were cooked through. The aroma that wafted through the kitchen was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

When the dumplings were ready, my grandmother served them on a platter, sprinkled with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil. I took a bite and was immediately transported to a world of flavor and texture. The dough was tender and light, the feta cheese was creamy and tangy, and the herbs added a burst of freshness that brought everything together in perfect harmony.

As I savored each bite, I knew that this recipe would become a treasured part of my own culinary repertoire. I made a mental note to ask my grandmother for the recipe so that I could recreate it for my own friends and family in the years to come.

And so, that night, as I sat around the table with my grandmother and her friends, enjoying the delicious Dumplings with Feta Cheese that she had so lovingly prepared, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the culinary heritage that had been passed down to me. I knew that this recipe would continue to bring joy and comfort to those I shared it with, just as it had for generations before me.