Hungarian Dumplings, also known in Hungary as Nokedli or Galuska, are the perfect side to serve with my Chicken Paprikash or other hearty stews. Easy to prepare with only 4 pantry ingredients, these divine little dumplings are rustic in appearance, but delicate in flavor. Nokedli dumplings are basically a small, lighter version of egg noodles!
this Recipe
Table of Contents
- When I first met Hungarian Dumplings
- Learning to make Nokedli
- What are Hungarian Dumplings made of?
- How to make Nokedli (Hungarian Dumplings)
- How to store and reheat Hungarian Nokedli
- Ways to serve Hungarian Dumplings
- Hungarian Nokedli FAQs
- Nokedli or Galuska Recipe (Hungarian Dumplings)
When I first met Hungarian Dumplings
I first tasted the Central European little dumplings called Nokedli during college while studying in Vienna, Austria. The school lunchroom often served these little puffs of flavor, but by their German name – spaetzle. Lighter and more delicate than pasta, they were the perfect pairing to the various rustic stews they served.
Years later when I was living in Europe, I often traveled to my company’s regional office in Budapest. One evening at dinner, to my delight these little dumplings arrived on my plate as an accompaniment to Hungarian Chicken Paprikash – this time under their Hungarian name, Nokedli.
Learning to make Nokedli
Ever since that dinner, whenever I’ve made Chicken Paprikash I’ve yearned for those delicious little Hungarian dumplings to serve with it. I’ve attempted to make them, but they always seem to come out heavy and doughy. So, when I was in Budapest again on vacation as part of a bike trip, I convinced Robert and our friends Evie Haskell and Paul Maxwell to take a cooking class with me at Chefparade Cooking School. And, I made sure the menu included Nokedli!
What are Hungarian Dumplings made of?
Nakedly are made with 4 ingredients – plus some oil (or butter) to keep the cooked dumplings from sticking together:
- Salt – I like to use kosher salt
- Large eggs – at room temperature
- All-purpose flour – preferably unbleached
- Water
- Canola or vegetable oil – preferably organic – can also use butter
How to make Nokedli (Hungarian Dumplings)
These tasty little dumplings are surprisingly easy to prepare, with only 4 pantry ingredients – eggs, flour, salt and a bit of oil.
- Mix together eggs, flour, salt and water to form a loose batter.
My mistake in earlier attempts to make Nokedli was creating a thicker, dough-like batter by adding too much flour. - Feed the batter through a Nokedli (or Spaetzle) maker to form small pieces that are dropped into boiling water.
You can also feed the batter through a slotted spoon, a flat cheese grater – or even a colander – held over the water. (I tested this recipe using a large slotted spoon and it worked well.) - In just a few minutes, all the dumplings rise to the top of the water, indicating they are done.
Scoop out, rinse under running water, put in a large bowl and toss with a bit of oil so they don’t stick together. (You can also toss with butter.)
How to store and reheat Hungarian Nokedli
How long will Nokedli last in the refrigerator?
Leftover Hungarian Dumplings will last 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Can Nokedli be frozen?
Yes, leftovers can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and follow reheating directions below.
How to reheat Nokedli
Dumplings can be reheated by sautéing them in a bit of butter or oil over medium-low heat.
Ways to serve Hungarian Dumplings
Nokedli is served most often as a side dish. Place in a serving bowl as part of a buffet, or spoon individual portions onto individual dinner plates. Here are some suggested main dishes that pair well with these dumplings:
- Hungarian Chicken Paprikash
- Short Ribs
- Braised Baby Back Ribs
- Sheet Pan Chicken with Mushroom Onion Sauce
Hungarian Nokedli FAQs
What is the difference between Nokedli and Galuska?
There is no difference between the two – they are both Hungarian dumplings. I can’t find any information on why there are 2 Hungarian names for the same dish – if you know, please let me know!
Can Hungarian Dumplings be made ahead of time?
Yes, they can be prepared 2 to 3 days ahead, covered and refrigerated. Reheat by sautéing in a bit of butter or oil over medium-low heat.
Nokedli or Galuska Recipe (Hungarian Dumplings)
Hungarian Dumplings, known as Nokedli or Galuska in Hungary, are the perfect side to serve with my Chicken Paprikash or other hearty stews. Easy to prepare with only 4 pantry ingredients, they’re rustic in appearance, but delicate in flavor. Nokedli are basically a small, lighter version of egg noodles!
- Yield: 5 to 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
- 3 quarts + 3/4 cup water, divided use
- 1 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided use
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon organic canola or vegetable oil
Instructions
- Bring around 3 quarts water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon salt.
- While waiting for the water to boil, make the batter: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, 3/4 cup water and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Slowly stir in flour, 1/4 cup at a time. Batter should be sticky, but still a bit loose. You may not need to use all the flour.
- Form dumplings by pressing 1/3 to 1/2 cup batter through a dumpling maker (the large holes on a flat cheese grater, a colander with medium/large holes, or a slotted spoon will also work) directly into the boiling water. Cook for around 2 to 3 minutes. All of the dumplings should have floated to the top of the water.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove cooked dumplings from boiling water, place in a colander and rinse under cold water. Place cooked dumplings in a medium bowl and gently toss with the oil (to keep them from sticking together).
- Repeat with remaining batter.
- Serve immediately.
- Author: Lee Clayton Roper
- Category: side dish
- Method: boiling
- Cuisine: Hungarian
Originally Posted
Last Updated
Categories
- Christmas
- Dairy Free
- Dinner Party
- No Bake
- Side Dishes
- Side Dishes
- WSK Recipes
About the author
Hi, I'm Lee.
I am inspired by my mother, Sally’s, love of cooking and entertaining to gather friends and family together over great meals and conversation. In fact, I held my first dinner party at the age of 16. Throughout the years, I’ve provided recipes, menu advice and cooking tips to friends seeking uncomplicated and delicious ideas for home entertaining.
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