How to Make Czech Strawberry Dumplings at Home
Czech strawberry dumplings, or Jahodové knedlíky, are a delightful Central European dish combining soft, protein-rich dough made from cottage cheese or tvaroh with the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries. Traditionally served as a main course, these dumplings can also be adapted into a light, guilt-free dessert. Accompanied by a simple strawberry sauce and topped with melted butter, icing sugar, and optional crumbled hard tvaroh, this recipe offers a unique blend of indulgence and nutrition. Ideal for Malta’s emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients, the dish highlights the versatility of wholesome cooking and invites food lovers to explore international flavors while maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Perfect for both home kitchens and dining establishments, Czech strawberry dumplings are a delicious way to bring a taste of Central Europe to Mediterranean tables.
How to Make Czech Strawberry Dumplings: A Healthy Indulgence with a Sweet Twist
Looking for a unique culinary experience that brings a touch of Central Europe to your table? Czech strawberry dumplings, known as Jahodové knedlíky, are a delightful dish that combines the comforting essence of homemade dough with the sweetness of fresh strawberries. While traditionally enjoyed as a main course in Czech households, these dumplings can be adapted as a light, guilt-free dessert perfect for anyone embracing a balanced lifestyle.
This recipe, inspired by Evie Harbury’s My Bohemian Kitchen, celebrates the soulful and homely flavors of Czech cuisine. It’s a reminder that healthy indulgence doesn’t have to sacrifice taste, and that natural ingredients can create meals that nourish both body and soul.
In Malta, where fresh, seasonal ingredients are abundant, this dish is a wonderful way to explore international cuisine while staying true to the Mediterranean ethos of wholesome eating. Strawberries, often associated with their wealth of antioxidants, vitamin C, and heart-healthy benefits, shine in this recipe. Paired with a soft, protein-rich dumpling dough made from cottage cheese or tvaroh (a Central European curd cheese), this dish is a clever mix of indulgence and nutrition.
Strawberry Dumplings (Jahodové knedlíky)
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
For the dumplings:
- 350g cottage cheese or soft tvaroh
- 1 large egg, plus 1 yolk
- 200g semola flour or fine semolina, plus extra for rolling
- 12 fresh strawberries, hulled
For the strawberry sauce:
- 250g fresh strawberries, hulled and roughly chopped
- 50g icing sugar
To serve:
- 80g hard tvaroh (optional), crumbled
- 80g unsalted butter, melted
- 100g icing sugar
Method:
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Prepare the Dough:
Press the cottage cheese or soft tvaroh through a sieve into a large mixing bowl to create a smooth purée and remove any lumps. Add the egg and yolk, mixing thoroughly. Stir in the semola flour and combine until you achieve a soft dough. -
Shape the Dumplings:
Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Roll each into a ball. Lightly dust your hands with semola flour, flatten a dough ball in your palm, and place a hulled strawberry in the center. Gently wrap the dough around the strawberry, sealing it completely. Don’t worry if the dough tears—simply patch it up. Repeat for the remaining strawberries, placing each dumpling on a floured plate to prevent sticking. -
Cook the Dumplings:
Bring a large pan of water to a boil. Carefully lower the dumplings into the water and simmer for 7–9 minutes, depending on the size of your strawberries. The dumplings will float to the surface when cooked. Drain and set aside. -
Make the Strawberry Sauce:
In a small saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries and icing sugar. Heat gently over medium heat, cooking for 2–3 minutes until the strawberries soften and release their juices. If the strawberries are less ripe, this may take slightly longer. Keep the sauce warm until serving. -
Serve and Enjoy:
To serve, spoon a bed of strawberry sauce into four bowls. Place three dumplings in each, then drizzle with melted butter, sprinkle with icing sugar, and top with crumbled hard tvaroh if desired.
A Healthy Culinary Adventure
One of the unique aspects of Central European cuisine is the concept of sweet main courses, offering a break from the savory norm. While these dumplings are traditionally served as a main dish in Czech culture, they also make a versatile dessert option that’s lighter than many traditional sweets. The dough’s base of cottage cheese or tvaroh delivers protein and calcium, while the strawberries provide natural sweetness and essential nutrients.
This recipe is also highly adaptable. Depending on the season, you can swap strawberries for other fruits such as Maltese blueberries, figs, or even apricots, creating new variations that celebrate local produce.
Why This Recipe Works for Malta
For food lovers in Malta, where Mediterranean cuisine often emphasizes fresh and wholesome ingredients, Czech strawberry dumplings offer an exciting way to explore international flavors while staying aligned with a healthy lifestyle. Restaurants across Malta are increasingly embracing dishes that highlight clean, seasonal eating, and these dumplings fit perfectly into that trend.
Whether you’re dining out or cooking at home, the key to longevity and well-being is balance. By combining the natural sweetness of fruit with the richness of nutrient-dense dough, this dish is a perfect example of how food can be both indulgent and nourishing.
So why not bring a taste of Central Europe to your Maltese kitchen? With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that’s as delightful to eat as it is to share. Bon appétit—or as the Czechs say, Dobrou chuť!