Mordovian Spinach Dumplings

Ingredients

While the German Spinatknödel is typically made with a combination of spinach, bread crumbs, and eggs, the Mordovian adaptation adds a unique twist to the dish. Mordovian cuisine incorporates traditional spices and flavors, giving the dumplings a distinct taste. Additionally, the Mordovian version may feature a different sauce or accompaniments to complement the dumplings. We alse have the original recipe for Spinatknödel, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) fresh spinach 500g (1.1 lb) fresh spinach
• 200g (7 oz) bread crumbs 200g (7 oz) bread crumbs
• 2 eggs 2 eggs
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste Pepper, to taste
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 4g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Wash the spinach thoroughly and blanch it in boiling water for 2 minutes. Drain and squeeze out any excess water. Finely chop the spinach.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, bread crumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, ground coriander, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. 3.
   Shape the mixture into small dumplings, about the size of a golf ball.
4. 4.
   Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the dumplings until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
5. 5.
   Remove the dumplings from the pan and drain on a paper towel to remove any excess oil.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Spinach — Make sure to thoroughly wash the spinach to remove any dirt or grit. Blot it dry or squeeze out excess water to prevent the dumpling mixture from becoming too wet.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili powder or paprika to the dumpling mixture.
• Serve the dumplings with a tangy tomato sauce or a creamy yogurt-based dip for added flavor.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can steam the dumplings instead of frying them.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile of the dumplings.
• Leftover dumplings can be reheated by lightly frying them in a pan or by steaming them.

Serving advice

Serve the Mordovian Spinach Dumplings hot as a main course or as a side dish. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, for an extra burst of freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the dumplings on a platter, allowing their vibrant green color to shine. Drizzle the sauce over the dumplings and garnish with a sprinkle of ground cumin or coriander for an appealing presentation.