Kürbisknödel – eine köstliche Herbst-Beilage!

If you’re looking for the perfect way to celebrate autumn, let me introduce you to Kürbisknödel – eine köstliche Herbst-Beilage! These delightful pumpkin dumplings are not only a treat for your taste buds but also warm your heart on chilly evenings. Made with Hokkaido pumpkin, crispy bread cubes, and fresh parsley, this recipe is a family favorite that’s sure to impress at any gathering or cozy weeknight dinner.

What I love most about these Kürbisknödel is how they capture all the wonderful flavors of fall. Each bite is a burst of comfort that pairs beautifully with any main dish. Plus, they’re so simple to make that even novice cooks can whip them up with ease. It’s a recipe you’ll want to return to time and time again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have these delicious dumplings ready in under an hour.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy these flavorful bites, making them a hit at family dinners.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook, saving you time.
• Versatile Side Dish: These knödel complement a variety of main courses, from hearty stews to light salads.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of roasted pumpkin seeds and Parmesan creates an irresistible topping that elevates each serving.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients you’ll need for this comforting recipe. Don’t worry; they’re easy to find and full of flavor!

For the Kürbisknödel

• 600 g Hokkaidokürbis Fruchtfleisch
• 300 g altbackenes Brot
• 1 Zwiebel
• 0.5 Bd. Petersilie
• 2 EL Kürbiskern
• 1 EL Butter
• 2 Ei (Größe M)
• Salz
• Pfeffer
• 4 EL Mehl (nach Bedarf etwas mehr)
• 2 EL Grieß
• 40 g Parmesan

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with your Kürbisknödel by trying out some of these variations:

• Add some spice: Incorporate a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon into the dough for extra warmth and flavor.
• Change up the herbs: Instead of parsley, try adding sage or thyme for a different herbal note.
• Go cheese-free: For a lighter version, omit the Parmesan or use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
• Mix in veggies: Add chopped spinach or grated carrots into the dough for added nutrition and color.

How to Make Kürbisknödel – eine köstliche Herbst-Beilage!

Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin

Start by washing your Hokkaido pumpkin. If needed, scoop out the seeds and cut it into roughly one-centimeter pieces. Place them in a pot and cover with just enough water to steam. A little salt will help enhance its natural sweetness as it cooks for about 10 minutes. Once tender, drain and let it cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread Mixture

While your pumpkin is cooking, cube the old bread into small pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl. Dice your onion finely—this will add great flavor to your knödel—and chop your fresh parsley after rinsing it well. In a non-stick pan, toast the pumpkin seeds until they pop and smell nutty; then set them aside.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Once your pumpkin has cooled down a bit, mash it gently before adding it to the bowl with bread. Mix everything together using your hands—this helps bind all those delicious flavors! Melt butter in your pan and sauté the onions until they’re soft and sweet (about 2-3 minutes). Stir these into your mixture along with chopped parsley.

Step 4: Forming the Dumplings

Whisk together your eggs in a separate bowl before incorporating them into your mixture along with flour and semolina. This is where you want to check if your dough needs adjustments; if it’s too wet, add more flour; if too dry, splash in some milk or water until it’s just right! Let this sit in the fridge for about half an hour—it helps firm up the dough.

Step 5: Cooking Your Knödel

With wet hands, form about 12 balls from your mixture. Boil plenty of salted water in a large pot but don’t let it reach a rolling boil when you add your knödel—gentle simmering will keep them intact! Cook them for about 10-15 minutes until they float to the surface.

Step 6: Serve with Love

Gently remove your knödel from water using a slotted spoon and let them drain. If you’d like an extra touch, toss them back into the pan briefly until golden brown on all sides. Serve three on each plate topped with freshly grated Parmesan and crunchy pumpkin seeds for that final touch of delight!

Pro Tips for Making Kürbisknödel – eine köstliche Herbst-Beilage!

Making these delightful Kürbisknödel is a joy, and with a few pro tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh Hokkaidokürbis: Fresh pumpkin will give your knödel a vibrant flavor and beautiful color. Canned or frozen pumpkin may lack the same richness.
• Adjust flour as needed: Depending on the moisture content of your pumpkin, you may need to add more flour to achieve the right consistency. A well-formed dough is key to fluffy knödel!
• Don’t overcook the knödel: Letting them sit in boiling water for too long can make them mushy. Aim for 10-15 minutes; they should float to the top when done.
• Chill the mixture: Allowing the dough to rest in the fridge for about 30 minutes helps it firm up, making it easier to shape into knödel.
• Experiment with herbs: While parsley is delicious, adding other herbs like sage or thyme can give your knödel an exciting twist!

How to Serve Kürbisknödel – eine köstliche Herbst-Beilage!

Presenting your Kürbisknödel beautifully can enhance the dining experience. Here are some ideas to make your dish stand out on the table.

Garnishes

• Pumpkin seeds: Lightly toasted pumpkin seeds add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the soft knödel.
• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives not only adds color but also brings a burst of freshness to each bite.

Side Dishes

• Seasonal roasted vegetables: Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or root vegetables bring earthy flavors that pair wonderfully with the sweet notes of pumpkin.
• Green salad: A simple mixed greens salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich knödel.
• Mushroom sauce: A savory mushroom sauce can be drizzled over the knödel for an extra layer of umami goodness.
• Apple compote: The sweetness and tartness of apple compote provide a lovely balance against the savory flavors of the knödel.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re ready to impress your family and friends with this comforting autumn dish! Enjoy every bite of your Kürbisknödel!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Kürbisknödel are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious autumn dish at your convenience. You can easily cook them in advance and store them for later use without sacrificing flavor.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cooked Kürbisknödel to cool to room temperature.
• Place them in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Arrange the uncooked or cooked Kürbisknödel on a baking sheet in a single layer.
• Freeze for about 1-2 hours until solid.
• Transfer the frozen knödel to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For refrigerated knödel, gently reheat in a pan with a little butter over medium heat until warmed through.
• For frozen knödel, either boil them directly from frozen or allow them to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating as above.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might come to mind while preparing your Kürbisknödel.

Can I make Kürbisknödel – eine köstliche Herbst-Beilage! gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free bread for the base.

How do I know when my Kürbisknödel are done cooking?

The knödel are done when they float to the surface of the water. Give them an additional 1-2 minutes after they float before removing them.

What can I serve with my Kürbisknödel?

Kürbisknödel pair wonderfully with seasonal vegetables, salads, or even a rich mushroom sauce for added flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in preparing these Kürbisknödel – eine köstliche Herbst-Beilage! This recipe beautifully captures the essence of autumn and is sure to bring warmth to your table. Whether you’re sharing it with family or enjoying it solo, these knödel are bound to delight. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to experiment with flavors that resonate with you!