Description
Kopytka are soft, pillowy Polish dumplings made from mashed potatoes and flour, similar to gnocchi. They pair beautifully with a rich and savory mushroom sauce, creating a comforting dish that is both satisfying and full of flavor. This easy-to-make meal is perfect for cozy dinners and brings a taste of Poland to your table!
Ingredients
For the Kopytka (Polish Potato Dumplings):
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1 pound (450g) potatoes, peeled and cubed
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1 large egg
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1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
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1 teaspoon salt
For the Mushroom Sauce:
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon unsalted butter
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 1/2 cups (150g) mushrooms, sliced (button, cremini, or shiitake)
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1 cup (240ml) vegetable broth
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1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream or sour cream
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1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Kopytka Dough
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Boil the cubed potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well and let them cool slightly.
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Mash the potatoes until smooth and let them cool completely.
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Add the egg and salt to the mashed potatoes and mix well.
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Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft, non-sticky dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but avoid overworking it.
Step 2: Shape and Cook the Kopytka
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Lightly flour a work surface and divide the dough into 4 portions.
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Roll each portion into a long rope about 3/4 inch (2 cm) thick.
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Cut each rope into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces.
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop the kopytka in small batches into the boiling water.
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Once they float to the surface, let them cook for another 2 minutes, then remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Mushroom Sauce
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Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 3 minutes.
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Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
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Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and become golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
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Pour in the vegetable broth and thyme, then simmer for 5 minutes.
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Stir in the heavy cream or sour cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
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Add the cooked kopytka to the skillet with the mushroom sauce and toss gently to coat.
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Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
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Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
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Make-Ahead: You can prepare the kopytka dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before shaping and cooking.
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Freezing: Uncooked kopytka can be frozen on a baking sheet, then transferred to a freezer bag. Boil from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
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Serving Suggestions: Pair with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
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Dairy-Free Option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Boiling & Sautéing
- Cuisine: Polish