Easy Knoephla Soup Recipe

Knoephla soup is a comforting, hearty dish originating from German immigrants in the Upper Midwest of the United States, particularly in North and South Dakota. The word "Knoephla" itself has German roots, referring to small, soft dumplings that are the heart and soul of this soup. This creamy and rich soup has a delightful balance of textures and flavors, from the soft dumplings to the savory broth, making it a perfect dish for cold weather or when you’re craving something satisfying and warm.

What makes Knoephla soup stand out is the unique combination of creamy broth, tender potato chunks, and chewy, homemade dumplings that soak up all the flavors. It’s a meal that embodies the essence of comfort food, offering both richness and a gentle homemade taste.

In this guide, I’ll break down a simple yet delicious Knoephla Soup recipe, give you insights into the ingredients, offer expert tips, and provide some creative variations to make it your own. Let’s jump right in!

Easy Knoephla Soup Recipe

Here’s an easy-to-follow recipe that will allow you to create this comforting dish in your own kitchen.

Ingredients Needed

For the Soup:

• 4 cups chicken broth (you can also use vegetable broth for a lighter version)
• 2 cups heavy cream (for that rich, creamy texture)
• 1 large onion, diced (for a savory base)
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (adds heartiness and texture)
• 2 tablespoons butter (for sautéing and adding richness)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or use fresh garlic for more depth)
• 1 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)
• Salt and pepper to taste (season well to balance the flavors)

For the Knoephla (Dumplings):

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 3/4 cup milk (adjust as needed for dough consistency)
• 2 tablespoons butter (melted, for flavor)

Cooking Instructions

Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s walk through the cooking process in detail.

1. Make The Soup Base

   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent-about 4-5 minutes.
   • Add the garlic powder (or fresh garlic) and thyme to the pot. Stir for about 1 minute to release the flavors.
   • Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Once it’s boiling, lower the heat to a simmer and add the diced potatoes. Let this simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

2. Make The Knoephla Dumplings

   • In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Create a well in the center and crack the egg into it. Pour in the milk and melted butter. Mix together to form a dough.
   • The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it’s too dry, add a splash more milk, but be careful not to overdo it. You want the dough to be pliable.
   • Using a spoon, scoop out small amounts of the dough and gently drop them into the simmering soup. The dumplings should float to the top when they’re cooked, which will take about 10-12 minutes.

3. Finishing Touches

   • Once the dumplings are floating and the soup is smelling amazing, add in the heavy cream and stir well. Bring the soup back to a low simmer and let it cook for another 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
   • Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. You want a well-balanced flavor with a nice richness from the cream and butter.

4. Serve And Enjoy

   • Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure each serving has a good amount of dumplings and potatoes. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a light drizzle of cream for extra richness.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s break down some of the key ingredients and why they matter for the flavor and texture of the soup.

• Chicken Broth: The broth serves as the base, providing a savory and slightly meaty backdrop that makes the soup hearty. You can use vegetable broth if you want a vegetarian-friendly option, though it will have a slightly different flavor profile.
• Heavy Cream: This is what transforms Knoephla Soup from a simple broth-based dish into a luxurious, creamy comfort food. It gives the soup its velvety texture and rich mouthfeel. If you’re looking to lighten it up, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, though the result will be a little less rich.
• Potatoes: Adding diced potatoes gives the soup heartiness. They soften and soak up the flavors of the broth while adding a textural contrast to the dumplings.
• Knoephla Dumplings: These are the star of the show. Made from a simple dough of flour, egg, butter, and milk, they are soft and tender, soaking up all the delicious broth. They’re the reason this soup feels like a complete meal.

Expert Tips

• Dumpling Size Matters: If you prefer smaller, bite-sized dumplings, feel free to make them a little smaller. Larger dumplings are great for a hearty experience, but smaller ones cook faster and can give the soup a lighter feel.
• Make it Ahead: Knoephla Soup actually improves with time, as the flavors have a chance to meld. If you’re planning to make this ahead, don’t add the heavy cream until you’re reheating it, as it can separate when stored.
• Seasoning Adjustments: Always taste your soup before serving and adjust the seasoning. Potatoes can absorb a lot of salt, so don’t be afraid to add more if needed.
• Control the Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer longer so the potatoes break down slightly, thickening the broth. If you want a lighter version, add a little extra chicken broth or water.

Recipe Variations

While traditional Knoephla Soup is already delicious, there are plenty of ways to switch it up and make it your own. Here are a few variations to consider:

• Add Vegetables: Feel free to throw in some carrots, celery, or corn to bulk up the soup and add more flavor.
• Spicy Twist: For a bit of heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño to the soup. This adds a surprising kick that balances the creaminess.
• Herb Variations: Instead of thyme, you could experiment with rosemary, sage, or even a pinch of Italian seasoning for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Meat Add-ins: If you want to add some protein, try incorporating shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked sausage to the soup. This will make it even heartier.
• Dumpling Variations: You could mix in some grated cheese (like cheddar or Parmesan) into the dumpling dough for a cheesy twist. Or, add herbs like parsley to the dough for an aromatic change.

Final Words

Knoephla Soup is an incredibly versatile and comforting dish, perfect for any time you want something warm and satisfying. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or get creative with variations, this soup will always feel like a home-cooked hug. The rich broth, tender potatoes, and soft, pillowy dumplings come together in a way that is simply irresistible.