As the cool breeze of autumn rolls in, the comforting aroma of simmering broth fills my kitchen, evoking memories of family gatherings and cherished traditions. One dish that always takes center stage during these special moments is Kreplach — those delightful Jewish dumplings that are as heartwarming as they are delicious. Imagine soft, tender pockets enveloping a savory mixture of seasoned meat and herbs, swimming in a rich broth that warms you from the inside out.
I discovered this Best Kreplach recipe during a nostalgic craving for home-cooked meals, and its simplicity has made it a new family favorite. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a holiday dinner or simply wanting to indulge in a cozy night in, these dumplings lend themselves beautifully to any occasion. Plus, with an option to use store-bought wrappers, you can customize the filling to your liking or even whip up a vegetarian variation with ease. Get ready to bring warmth to your table with this comforting dish that encapsulates the essence of homemade goodness!
Why is this the Best Kreplach recipe?
Unforgettable Flavors: Each bite combines warm spices and savory fillings that evoke the spirit of home-cooked meals.
Easy to Customize: Whether you prefer traditional meat or a vegetarian option, the filling can be tailored to your taste and dietary needs.
Family-Friendly Fun: Involve your loved ones by making dumpling assembly a fun, interactive activity!
Perfect for Any Occasion: These delightful dumplings shine at family gatherings, holidays, or as a cozy weeknight dinner.
Make-Ahead Magic: Uncooked Kreplach can be frozen for convenient meals later; perfect for busy schedules.
Get inspired with more tips on how to enhance your Kreplach experience in our make-ahead tips.
Best Kreplach Ingredients
• To craft the most comforting homemade dumplings, the right ingredients matter!
For the Filling
- Chicken Quarter – Adds rich flavor and protein; can also use leftover soup chicken for extra depth.
- Carrot – Infuses the broth with a naturally sweet note; any root vegetable can be a delightful substitute.
- Onion – Provides an aromatic essence that enhances the whole dish; try shallots for a softer flavor.
- Garlic Clove – Elevates the filling with a robust taste; add more for a bolder flavor experience.
- Herbs – Bring freshness to both filling and broth; fresh dill or parsley adds a lovely touch.
For the Dough
- Flour – The foundation of your dumpling dough, providing structure; consider whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.
- Egg – Binds everything together, ensuring a pleasant texture; flax eggs can be used for a vegan option.
- Vegetable Oil – Keeps the dough from sticking while adding moisture; coconut oil works as a non-hydrogenated alternative.
- Salt and Pepper – Essential for bringing out the flavors; adjust to your taste preference.
For the Broth
- Bay Leaf – Adds subtle depth to the broth; thyme can be a fantastic alternative for a unique flavor twist.
Use these ingredients to create the Best Kreplach, where each step brings a piece of home and warmth right to your table!
How to Make Best Kreplach
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Prepare the Broth: In a saucepan, combine the chicken quarter, onion, carrot, bay leaf, and herbs with enough water to cover. Cook until the chicken is tender and the broth is rich, about 45 minutes. Strain the broth and season with salt and pepper.
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Make the Filling: Finely chop the remaining onion and garlic, then sauté them in vegetable oil until golden brown. Shred the cooked chicken and mix it with the sautéed onion and garlic; season to taste.
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Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, beat an egg with oil and water. Gradually mix in the flour until a smooth dough forms. Cover the dough and let it rest for 15 minutes to develop ease in handling.
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Shape the Dumplings: Roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut it into 2-inch squares. Place a teaspoon of filling in the center of each square, fold over, and seal the edges securely to create little pockets of goodness.
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Cook Kreplach: Bring the prepared broth to a boil and gently add the dumplings. Cook until they float to the surface, which signals they’re fully cooked—about 5-7 minutes. Serve hot in broth, garnished with chopped herbs.
Optional: Serve with a dollop of sour cream for a delightful dipping experience.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Best Kreplach
Room Temperature: Store cooked Kreplach at room temperature for up to 2 hours, but it’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal taste and texture.
Fridge: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in broth or steam to maintain moisture.
Freezer: Uncooked Kreplach can be frozen for up to 3 months. Place them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag, separating layers with parchment paper.
Reheating: To reheat, simmer the frozen Kreplach in broth until heated through or pan-fry directly from frozen for a crispy finish. Enjoy your Best Kreplach even on busy nights!
Best Kreplach Variations
Feel free to make this recipe your own with a few creative twists that will delight your taste buds and warm your heart!
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Vegetarian Filling: Substitute chicken with mashed potatoes or ricotta cheese for a delicious meat-free option.
Adding herbs like thyme or chives can elevate this variation and bring freshness to each bite. -
Mixed Herb Boost: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or tarragon in your filling for a flavor twist.
Each herb brings a unique character, brightening the overall taste of your Kreplach. -
Spicy Kick: Incorporate finely chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes into the filling for a bit of heat.
The spicy surprise complements the savory notes beautifully, perfect for those who enjoy a little spice in their life. -
Whole Wheat Dough: Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose for a heartier, health-conscious dough option.
This simple swap adds a nutty flavor, making your dumplings even more wholesome. -
Creamy Broth: Enhance the broth with a splash of cream or coconut milk for a rich, velvety texture.
This addition makes the dish feel extra indulgent and comforting, perfect for chilly nights. -
Savory Mushroom Mix: Blend sautéed mushrooms with your meat filling for an earthy depth of flavor.
The umami from the mushrooms pairs wonderfully with the chicken, creating a truly luxurious filling. -
Cheese Lovers’ Delight: Mix in some shredded cheese like mozzarella or cheddar to your filling for extra creaminess.
Melting cheese creates a delightful gooeyness that makes each dumpling irresistible! -
Store-Bought Wrappers: In a pinch, use store-bought dumpling wrappers to speed up the process without sacrificing flavor.
This convenience allows you to enjoy homemade Kreplach even on busy days without the fuss of making dough from scratch!
What to Serve with Best Kreplach?
Create a cozy meal that warms your heart and delights your senses with these comforting dumplings.
- Savory Chicken Broth: A classic pairing that enhances the flavors of the Kreplach while providing a warm and soothing backdrop.
- Fresh Dill and Parsley: Bright herb garnishes add freshness and color to your dish, complementing the savory flavors beautifully.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their buttery texture and mild flavor offer a delightful contrast to the tender dumplings, making every bite indulgent.
- Roasted Root Vegetables: Sweet and earthy, they bring a hearty aspect to the meal and a lovely, rustic feel that echoes classic comfort food.
- Sour Cream: A dollop on the side invites creamy richness and tangy zest, elevating each bite of Kreplach for a delightful taste experience.
- Pumpernickel Bread: This dense, flavorful bread adds a unique texture and earthy flavor that melds wonderfully with the rich broth.
- Light Green Salad: A simple salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing crunch and brightness, balancing the hearty dumplings nicely.
- Sweet Apple Strudel: End the meal on a sweet note with this classic dessert, bringing warmth and tradition full circle as a perfect finale.
Expert Tips for Best Kreplach
- Dough Consistency: Ensure a smooth consistency by gradually incorporating flour into your wet ingredients to avoid a tough dumpling dough.
- Even Thickness: Use a pasta machine to achieve an even thickness for your dough, ensuring uniform cooking for the best Kreplach.
- Seal Securely: Brush water along the edges of the dough before sealing to prevent them from opening during cooking; this ensures no filling escapes.
- Crispy Texture: For an extra crispy bite, pan-fry the dumplings for a few minutes after boiling them in broth, adding a delightful crunch.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different fillings like mashed potatoes, cheese, or herbs to create unique variations that still honor the tradition of Kreplach.
Make Ahead Options
These Best Kreplach are a fantastic choice for meal prep aficionados looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the filling and dough up to 24 hours in advance by storing them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply assemble and cook the dumplings as instructed. Alternatively, uncooked Kreplach can be frozen for up to 3 months; just lay them flat on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. To maintain quality, ensure they’re well-sealed to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to serve these delicious dumplings, boil them directly from frozen in your prepared broth, and they’ll be just as delightful as the day you made them!
Best Kreplach Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken should I use for the filling?
I recommend using a chicken quarter for its rich flavor and tenderness. You can also use leftover soup chicken for an extra depth of flavor—all the goodness from the bones infuses the filling wonderfully!
How can I store leftover Kreplach?
Store cooked Kreplach in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For the best results, reheat them gently in broth to maintain moisture, or steam them for a soft texture.
Can uncooked Kreplach be frozen?
Absolutely! You can freeze uncooked Kreplach for up to 3 months. I usually lay them out on a baking sheet first to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
What if my dough turns out too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, don’t worry! Simply sprinkle a little more flour into the mixture while kneading. Gradually incorporate flour until you achieve a soft, pliable dough that’s easy to work with.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
When preparing Kreplach, be mindful of any potential allergies. For gluten-free options, you can use gluten-free flour blends. Additionally, for a vegan version, substitute the egg with flax eggs and fill the dumplings with mashed potatoes or vegetables.
How do I know when the Kreplach are done cooking?
Cook the Kreplach until they float to the surface of the broth, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes. This is a great visual cue that they’re fully cooked and ready to serve!
Best Kreplach Recipe: Homemade Dumplings That Warm the Soul
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a saucepan, combine the chicken quarter, onion, carrot, bay leaf, and herbs with enough water to cover. Cook until the chicken is tender and the broth is rich, about 45 minutes. Strain the broth and season with salt and pepper.
- Finely chop the remaining onion and garlic, then sauté them in vegetable oil until golden brown. Shred the cooked chicken and mix it with the sautéed onion and garlic; season to taste.
- In a mixing bowl, beat an egg with oil and water. Gradually mix in the flour until a smooth dough forms. Cover the dough and let it rest for 15 minutes to develop ease in handling.
- Roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut it into 2-inch squares. Place a teaspoon of filling in the center of each square, fold over, and seal the edges securely to create little pockets of goodness.
- Bring the prepared broth to a boil and gently add the dumplings. Cook until they float to the surface, which signals they’re fully cooked—about 5-7 minutes. Serve hot in broth, garnished with chopped herbs.