Hungarian Dumplings (Nokedli Recipe) | A Well-Seasoned Kitchen® (2024)

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
  1. When I first met Hungarian Dumplings
  2. Learning to make Nokedli
  3. What are Hungarian Dumplings made of?
  4. How to make Nokedli (Hungarian Dumplings)
  5. How to store and reheat Hungarian Nokedli
  6. Ways to serve Hungarian Dumplings
  7. Hungarian Nokedli FAQs
  8. 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.

Hungarian Dumplings (Nokedli Recipe) | A Well-Seasoned Kitchen® (2)

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.

Hungarian Dumplings (Nokedli Recipe) | A Well-Seasoned Kitchen® (3)

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!

Hungarian Dumplings (Nokedli Recipe) | A Well-Seasoned Kitchen® (4)

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.)
  3. 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.)
Hungarian Dumplings (Nokedli Recipe) | A Well-Seasoned Kitchen® (5)

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 Dumplings (Nokedli Recipe) | A Well-Seasoned Kitchen® (6)

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.

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Hungarian Dumplings (Nokedli Recipe) | A Well-Seasoned Kitchen® (7)

Nokedli or Galuska Recipe (Hungarian Dumplings)

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Print Recipe

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

Ingredients

Scale

  • 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

  1. Bring around 3 quarts water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon salt.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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).
  5. Repeat with remaining batter.
  6. 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.

Learn more about me

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Hungarian Dumplings (Nokedli Recipe) | A Well-Seasoned Kitchen® (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between nokedli and galuska? ›

Hungarian Nokedli (sometimes called Galuska) are small Central European dumplings that are closely related to German Spätzle. These miniature dumplings come together from simple ingredients, and are basically a free-form egg noodle. That's probably how American-style Paprika Chicken came to be served with egg noodles.

Is nokedli the same as spaetzle? ›

Spätzle ([ˈʃpɛtslə]), or nokedli in Hungarian, are a type of Central European egg noodles typically served as a side for meat dishes with sauce.

What are Hungarian dumplings made of? ›

Nokedli is a traditional Hungarian dish consisting of boiled dumplings consisting of flour, water, salt, and eggs, that are sometimes enhanced with thyme and whole milk. They are similar in ingredients, flavor, and preparation to spaetzle and can be made with a spaetzle maker.

How to eat Hungarian dumplings? ›

How to Serve Nokedli. Serve nokedli with traditional Hungarian dishes or serve them with any dish you would serve with pasta or noodles. Top the nokedli with a hearty Bolognese sauce or serve the little dumplings with Swedish meatballs or Salisbury steaks.

What is the difference between spaetzle and knopfle? ›

The difference lies in their shape. Whereas spaetzle noodles are usually longer and thinner, knoepfle means 'little knot/ button. ' It refers to a shorter, rounder variety of the noodle, often made using a sliding spaetzle maker, which transfers 'droplets' of dough rather than long noodles into the boiling water.

What is the difference between spaetzle and dumplings? ›

Somewhere between a noodle and a dumpling, spaetzle is a perfect springy, chewy carb to soak up meaty ragus or to bathe in soft egg yolks.

What kind of flour is used in spaetzle? ›

wheat flour. Type 405 wheat flour is probably the most widely used today for spätzle. Type 405 indicates how high the degree of milling and the content of minerals such as magnesium or potassium. 405 indicates that approximately 405 milligrams of minerals are contained in 100 grams of flour.

What is the English name for spaetzle? ›

Meaning of spaetzle in English

a food, originally from Germany, that is similar to pasta, made with eggs, flour, and milk, and formed into small round or long shapes before being boiled and sometimes fried: Spaetzle may be browned in a little butter before serving.

What is hidden in dumplings? ›

Some families hide a coin inside one or more of the jiaozi, so someone may bite into something hard and discover a gold or silver coin inside their dumpling. Whoever finds the dumpling with the coin has good luck and will be lucky in the upcoming year.

What are fluffy dumplings called? ›

Dan Jiao (蛋饺) Dan jiao, which translates to “egg dumpling,” are unique types of Chinese dumplings where the filling is wrapped by beaten eggs instead of a flour-based wrapper. This gives it a delicate and fluffy texture, making it a popular choice for breakfast or a light snack.

What side to eat with dumplings? ›

The best side dishes to serve with Asian dumplings (East Asia) are ramen, tomato and egg stir fry, fried greens, chilli miso steamed aubergine, pork belly fried rice, cucumber salad (Oi Muchim), tahini miso noodles, and claypot tofu.

How many calories in a Hungarian dumpling? ›

Nutrition (per dumpling)

Calories 159, Protein 3g, Carbohydrates 31g, Fat 3g, Fibre 1g, Sodium 105mg.

What is a type of Austrian or German dumpling? ›

Germknödel ([ˈɡɛɐ̯mˌknøːdl̩] in Austrian German) is a fluffy yeast dough dumpling (knödel), filled with spiced plum jam and served with melted butter and a mix of poppy seeds and sugar on top. It is occasionally – even though less traditional – served with vanilla cream sauce instead.

Are kluski noodles the same as egg noodles? ›

The amount of eggs being used to make kluski noodles and egg noodles is not the only difference between the two of them. While kluski noodles need more eggs to make the dough, they do not require any water. Egg noodles, pasta, and kluski come in all sorts of shapes and sizes.

What's the difference between chicken pastry and chicken and dumplings? ›

A variant known as "chicken and pastry" or simply "chicken pastry" features wide, flat noodles rolled from biscuit dough. Where such a distinction is made, it is sometimes considered a different dish from "chicken and dumplings", which is known for small balls of dough rather than flat strips.

What pasta is similar to spaetzle? ›

Knoepfle is the “button-shaped” equivalent to spaetzle. I equate it with Switzerland, because my dad is Swiss and we always explained it by calling knoepfle a “swiss noodle.” I think that Knoepfle originated in Germany and, from my research, I learned in Switzerland it is spelled Chnoepfli.

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