Kopytka are Polish potato dumplings made by mashing potatoes, making them into a dough to shape and boiling.
This dish is enjoyed year-round, often served as a main course with a variety of toppings or sauces, such as breadcrumbs, onions, bacon, gravy or mushroom sauce. The word Kopytka translates to little hooves, referring to the shape.
Origin & Cultural Significance
Initially created as a way to use leftover potatoes and reduce food waste, Kopytka have become a staple dish in Polish households.
The recipe may vary slightly by household or region of Poland. For example, in the Silesia region, Kopytka Śląskie are made with grated potatoes, and in the Tatra Mountains, Kopytka z Bryndzą are served with bryndza (sheep’s cheese) and bacon.
The recipe for Kopytka is similar to that of Italian gnocchi, which is made with potato and flour, and usually topped with a tomato-based sauce.
Polish Kopytka Recipe
Kopytka are Polish potato dumplings, made by mashing potatoes, making them into a dough to shape and boiling.
Ingredients
- Potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks - 4
- All-purpose flour - 1 1/2 cups, plus extra for dusting
- Egg - 1
- Salt - 1 tsp
- Butter - 2 tbsp
- Bread crumbs - 1/4 cup
- Sour cream, for serving - 2 tbsp
Instructions
- Boil the potato chunks in a large pot of salted water until tender, for about 15 minutes. Drain and allow them to cool slightly.
- Mash the cooked potatoes while they are still warm. Ensure there are no lumps.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, flour, beaten egg, and salt. Knead the mixture until it forms a smooth, elastic dough.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into ropes about 1/2-inch in diameter.
- Cut the ropes into bite-sized pieces and shape them into small dumplings, using the back of a fork to create ridges if desired.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dumplings and cook until they float to the surface, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and toast until golden brown.
- Drain the cooked dumplings and transfer them to the skillet. Gently toss the dumplings in the buttered bread crumbs until coated.
- Serve Kopytka hot, garnished with additional buttered bread crumbs and a dollop of sour cream.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 878Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 131mgSodium: 1429mgCarbohydrates: 155gFiber: 11gSugar: 6gProtein: 24g
Nutrition is provided and calculated by Nutritionix. It is for general information purposes and is only a rough estimation.