Swedish Kroppkakor

Swedish Kroppkakor Recipe - Authentic Swedish Dish with Potatoes, Bacon, and Allspice

Region / culture: Sweden | Servings: 12

Introduction

Swedish Kroppkakor, also known as potato dumplings, are a traditional dish that originated in Sweden. These hearty dumplings are made with a mixture of mashed potatoes, flour, and a savory filling of bacon and onions. They are typically served with a creamy béchamel sauce or melted butter.

History

Kroppkakor have been a staple in Swedish cuisine for centuries. Originally a peasant dish, kroppkakor were a way to use up leftover potatoes and other ingredients. Over time, the recipe evolved to include a variety of fillings, such as bacon and onions, to add flavor and texture to the dumplings.

Ingredients

10 to 12 medium potatoes, boiled and cold
1 egg
1.25 cups all-purpose flour
8 oz (227 g) bacon
1 onion, finely chopped
1 tsp whole allspice

How to prepare

Mash the potatoes.
Stir in the egg and flour to create a smooth dough.
Fry the onion and bacon in some butter.
Add allspice or white pepper to taste.
Shape the dough into a log and cut it into 12 pieces using floured hands.
Create a small pocket in each piece and fill it with approximately 1 tbsp of filling.
Close and shape each piece into a ball.
Place about 4-5 pieces at a time in a large pot of simmering salted water and let them simmer for 5 minutes.
The kakorna will sink initially, but once they float to the top, they are ready.
Serve with a thin béchamel sauce or melted butter.

Variations

Try using different fillings, such as mushrooms, cheese, or spinach, for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
Add herbs and spices, such as dill or parsley, to the dough for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use cold, boiled potatoes for the dough to ensure the right texture.

- Fry the bacon and onions until they are crispy and caramelized for maximum flavor.

- Use a light hand when shaping the dough into balls to prevent them from becoming tough.

- Simmer the kroppkakor gently in salted water to prevent them from falling apart.

Serving Suggestions

Serve kroppkakor with a side of lingonberry jam or pickled cucumbers for a traditional Swedish meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the kroppkakor gently to prevent them from falling apart.

- Fry the bacon and onions until they are crispy and caramelized for maximum flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of the recipe.

- Substitute turkey bacon for a lighter option.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the dough and filling ahead of time and assemble the kroppkakor just before cooking.

- Cook the kroppkakor in advance and reheat them in the oven before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the kroppkakor on a bed of fresh greens for a colorful presentation. - Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve kroppkakor with a crisp salad and a glass of Swedish beer or aquavit for a traditional Swedish meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover kroppkakor in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the kroppkakor in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of kroppkakor contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of kroppkakor contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of kroppkakor contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of kroppkakor contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Kroppkakor are a good source of potassium, vitamin C, and iron.

Alergens

Kroppkakor contain gluten and dairy.

Summary

Kroppkakor are a hearty and satisfying dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are a good source of vitamins and minerals, but may not be suitable for those with gluten or dairy allergies.

Summary

Swedish Kroppkakor are a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With a savory filling of bacon and onions, these dumplings are sure to satisfy your cravings for traditional Swedish cuisine. Serve them with a creamy béchamel sauce or melted butter for a truly indulgent meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I discovered this recipe is a cherished memory that I hold dear to my heart. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Sweden. My grandmother, who was an amazing cook, taught me how to make Kroppkakor, a traditional Swedish dish that has been passed down through generations in our family.

My grandmother was a wise woman who had a passion for cooking and a deep love for her heritage. She always told me that the key to making a delicious Kroppkakor was to use the freshest ingredients and to put a lot of love and care into the preparation. She would spend hours in the kitchen, kneading the dough, boiling the potatoes, and shaping the dumplings with expert precision.

One day, as I watched her work her magic in the kitchen, I asked her how she had learned to make Kroppkakor. She smiled and told me a story that I will never forget.

"It all started when I was a young girl, just like you," she began. "My own grandmother taught me how to make Kroppkakor when I was no older than ten years old. She was a master in the kitchen, and she passed down her knowledge to me with great care and patience."

My grandmother went on to tell me about how her grandmother had learned the recipe from her own mother, who had learned it from her mother before her. The tradition had been passed down through the generations, with each woman adding her own twist to the recipe to make it her own.

As my grandmother shared her memories with me, I could see the love and pride in her eyes. She told me about the times she had spent in the kitchen with her grandmother, laughing and talking while they worked side by side. She told me about the joy of sitting down to a meal of freshly made Kroppkakor, surrounded by family and friends.

I listened intently, soaking in every word and every detail of the story. I could feel the connection to my ancestors, to the strong, resilient women who had come before me and who had passed down this cherished recipe through the generations.

After my grandmother finished her story, she turned to me with a twinkle in her eye and said, "Now it's your turn to learn how to make Kroppkakor. I will teach you everything I know, just as my grandmother taught me."

And so began my journey into the world of Swedish cooking and the art of making Kroppkakor. My grandmother patiently guided me through each step of the process, showing me how to knead the dough until it was smooth and elastic, how to shape the dumplings into perfect little rounds, and how to cook them to perfection.

I watched and learned, absorbing every detail and every nuance of the recipe. I asked questions, made mistakes, and tried again until I had mastered the art of making Kroppkakor just like my grandmother had taught me.

And finally, the day came when I sat down to a meal of freshly made Kroppkakor, surrounded by my family and friends. As I took the first bite, I felt a deep sense of pride and connection to my heritage. I knew that I had learned a valuable lesson from my grandmother, not just about cooking, but about the importance of family, tradition, and love.

As I continue to make Kroppkakor for my own family and pass down the recipe to future generations, I will always remember that cherished memory of the moment I discovered this recipe and the bond it created between me and my grandmother. It is a memory that will forever hold a special place in my heart.