Steffen's Dinners - Recipes and Photos

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From back home in Germany I fondly remember my Mom's pike dumplings. Since I could not easily find pike here, I tried making fish dumplings from simple cod and streamlined the recipe (e.g. breadcrumbs instead of soaked bread). I also tried two different sauces, a saffron-vanilla sauce and a simple tomato sauce. The simple tomato sauce was much better since the dumplings are quite flavorful, so there is the recipe:

Ingredients

Fish Dumplings

• 1lb 2oz / 500g cod (or similar fish) fillets
• 2 oz/ 60g breadcrumbs
• 1 cup / 250ml cream
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp cognac
• ½ tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp cayenne
• pinch of nutmeg
• 2 tbsp dill, chopped

Tomato Sauce

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 can (28 oz / 800g) plum tomatoes
• ½ cup / 125ml white wine
• 1/8 tsp dried thyme
• 1/8 tsp dried oregano
• 1/8 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 tbsp cognac
• salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

For Serving and Garnish

• a few sprigs of fresh dill
• shaved Parmesan cheese

Preparation

Fish Dumplings

1. Combine all ingredients except the dill in a large food processor. Blend until smooth
2. In a large pot bring at least 2 quarts / liters of salted water to a very light simmer
3. With your hands form 12 dumplings, use generous amounts of flour to keep the dough from sticking to your hands.
4. Using a slotted spoon, carefully place the dumplings in the hot water.
5. Simmer for about 10 minutes, then remove from water, quickly rinse under cold water, drain, then place in a serving bowl and keep warm.

Tomato Sauce

1. In a heavy pan melt the butter and add the chopped onion. Cook over low heat for about 10 minutes until soft and translucent. Add garlic, cook for a few more minutes.
2. Add tomatoes, white wine, cognac and herbs. Bring to a boil and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes.
3. Puree with a stick blender.
4. Season with salt and pepper

Serving

1. Pour tomato sauce over the dumplings.
2. Garnish with fresh dill and shaved Parmesan cheese.

Yields 12 dumplings, 4 portions

Preparation time ca. 1 hour