There’s something truly special about transforming simple, everyday ingredients into a meal that’s both hearty and delicious. It’s one of life’s little joys that never gets old. With just a few humble potatoes, some ground meat, and a handful of kitchen staples, you can create a dish that is not only comforting but also bursting with flavor.
These golden, crispy dumplings are the perfect balance of texture and taste, offering a satisfying crunch on the outside and a savory, melt-in-your-mouth filling on the inside. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family or looking to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to deliver. Follow this detailed, step-by-step guide to create these irresistible potato and meat dumplings right in your own kitchen—it’s easier than you think and absolutely worth the effort!
Table of Contents
Ingredients:
For the Potato Dough:
- 6 large potatoes, diced
- 1½ tsp salt (for boiling)
- 50g unsalted butter
- 1 whole egg
- 160g wheat flour (about 8 tablespoons)
For the Meat Filling:
- 500g ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1½ tsp salt (for seasoning)
- Black pepper, to taste
For Frying:
- Olive oil or vegetable oil
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes
- Dice the six large potatoes into small cubes.
- Transfer them to a large saucepan and cover with 1 liter of water. Add 1½ teaspoons of salt.
- Boil the potatoes over medium heat until fully cooked and tender. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Potato Dough
- In a large bowl, add the cooked, drained potatoes and 50g unsalted butter.
- Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes until smooth.
- Add one whole egg and mix until combined.
- Gradually add 160g of wheat flour and mix until a smooth, uniform dough forms. If the dough is sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour as needed. Set aside.
3. Cook the Meat Filling
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté until golden brown. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook while stirring until the beef is lightly browned and releases its juices.
- Season with 1½ teaspoons of salt and a generous pinch of black pepper. Mix well to combine. Remove from heat and let cool.
4. Assemble the Dumplings
- Lightly flour a clean countertop or cutting board.
- Take a portion of the potato dough and flatten it with your hands or a rolling pin into a thin circle.
- Spoon 2 tablespoons of the meat filling onto the center of the dough circle.
- Fold the edges over the filling and pinch them together to seal, forming a dumpling shape.
- Repeat until all the dough and filling are used.
5. Fry the Dumplings
- Heat enough oil in a skillet over medium heat to cover the bottom.
- Place the dumplings in the skillet, ensuring they don’t overlap. Fry until golden brown on one side, then flip and fry the other side.
- Transfer the fried dumplings to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these golden dumplings hot with a side of sour cream, garlic yogurt sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce. They make a perfect snack, appetizer, or main course.
Tips for Success
- Sticky Dough Fix: If the potato dough is sticky, sprinkle it with flour to make it easier to handle.
- Versatile Fillings: Swap ground beef for chicken, turkey, or even a vegetarian filling like mushrooms and spinach.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the dumplings ahead of time and freeze them. Fry them directly from frozen for a quick meal.
