We can’t wait to share our take on Schnitz and Knepp, a timeless Pennsylvania Dutch favorite that’s been a staple in hearty family meals for generations. This comforting dish blends tender dried apples with fluffy dumplings, simmered in a savory broth that warms you from the inside out.
It’s the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors we adore, drawing from simple ingredients that evoke rustic charm. Join us as we bring this easy-to-make recipe to your kitchen, ideal for cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
In our exploration of the Schnitz and Knepp recipe, we start by gathering the essential ingredients that bring this Pennsylvania Dutch classic to life. These components, ordered as they are used in preparation, ensure a harmonious blend of sweet dried apples and savory dumplings in a rich broth.
Broth Base Ingredients
To begin building the flavorful base, you’ll need:
- 1 ham hock (or 2 cups diced cooked ham, for that smoky depth)
- 4 cups water (to create the simmering broth)
- 1 medium onion, diced (adds aromatic layers)
Schnitz (Dried Apples) Ingredients
Next, prepare the schnitz, the star sweet element:
- 4 cups dried apples (rehydrate them for tender texture; select unsulfured varieties for authentic flavor)
Knepp (Dumplings) Ingredients
Finally, assemble the ingredients for the fluffy knepp dumplings, which we’ll mix and add later:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted for even consistency)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (ensures the dumplings rise perfectly)
- 1 teaspoon salt (enhances the dough’s taste)
- 1 large egg (beaten to bind the mixture)
- 1 cup milk (whole milk works best for a creamy finish)
This selection of ingredients, measured precisely, guarantees the comforting sweet-savory balance that defines our Schnitz and Knepp recipe.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our essential ingredients for Schnitz and Knepp, we will walk you through the straightforward steps to create this hearty Pennsylvania Dutch dish. Our method ensures tender results with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Prep Work
Before we start cooking, let’s prepare our ingredients to streamline the process. Begin by chopping the medium onion into fine dice—about 1/2-inch pieces—for even cooking and a subtle sweetness that enhances the broth. Next, measure out 4 cups of unsulfured dried apples and rinse them under cool water to remove any dust, then set them aside; this step plumps them up for a chewy texture that adds comforting sweetness to the dish. For the knepp dumplings, beat 1 egg in a small bowl until it’s frothy and uniform, as this helps bind the dough for light, fluffy results. Finally, ensure your ham hock is ready—whether whole or diced—to infuse rich, smoky flavors into the base.
Cook the Base
We start by building a flavorful broth that forms the foundation of our Schnitz and Knepp. In a large pot, place the ham hock (or 1 pound of diced cooked ham) along with 6 cups of water and the chopped onion. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. As it simmers, the ham releases savory aromas that fill your kitchen, creating a rich, golden broth with a depth that highlights the dish’s rustic charm—watch for the onions to turn translucent and tender for that perfect sweet-savory blend.
Make the Dumplings
With the base underway, let’s create the knepp dumplings that give Schnitz and Knepp its signature fluffiness. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt—whisk these dry ingredients together to ensure even rising. Add the beaten egg and 1/2 cup of whole milk, stirring with a fork until the dough forms a sticky, cohesive ball; avoid overmixing to keep the dumplings light and airy. This simple mixture will transform into soft, pillowy bites that absorb the broth’s flavors, offering a delightful contrast to the tender apples.
Assemble and Simmer
Now we bring everything together for the final simmer, allowing the flavors to meld into a comforting masterpiece. Add the prepared 4 cups of dried apples to the pot with the cooked base, stirring gently to distribute them evenly. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough directly into the simmering broth—one at a time to prevent clumping—until all the dough is used, then cover the pot and let it simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes. As it cooks, the apples soften to a juicy tenderness while the dumplings rise and soak up the savory essence, resulting in a warm, inviting dish that showcases the sweet-savory harmony of Schnitz and Knepp.
Conclusion
We’ve shared the essence of Schnitz and Knepp, a dish that’s more than just food—it’s a warm embrace of tradition. It’s rewarding to see how simple ingredients come together for that perfect sweet-savory balance.
Try it at your next gathering and let its comforting flavors create lasting memories for you and your loved ones. We’re confident it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Schnitz and Knepp?
Schnitz and Knepp is a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch dish featuring tender dried apples (schnitz) and fluffy dumplings (knepp) in a savory ham broth. It’s known for its comforting sweet-savory flavors, rustic simplicity, and appeal for family gatherings, making it a cozy, easy-to-prepare meal.
What ingredients are needed for Schnitz and Knepp?
The main ingredients include a ham hock or diced ham for the broth, along with water and onion. For the schnitz, use four cups of unsulfured dried apples. Dumplings require all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, a beaten egg, and whole milk. These ensure a balanced sweet-savory taste.
How do you prepare Schnitz and Knepp?
Start by simmering the ham hock and onion to make a rich broth. Rinse and add dried apples to the pot. For dumplings, mix flour, baking powder, salt, egg, and milk without overmixing, then drop spoonfuls into the simmering broth. Cook everything together until the apples are tender and dumplings are fluffy, creating a harmonious dish.
Is Schnitz and Knepp easy to make?
Yes, Schnitz and Knepp is straightforward for home cooks. It involves simple prep like chopping an onion and rinsing apples, followed by simmering the broth and mixing quick dumplings. The recipe takes basic ingredients and minimal steps, making it ideal for beginners or busy families.
What makes Schnitz and Knepp special?
This dish stands out for its unique blend of sweet dried apples and savory ham broth with fluffy dumplings, capturing Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Its rustic charm, comforting warmth, and ease of preparation make it perfect for cozy meals, offering a delightful balance of flavors that evokes tradition.
Can you customize Schnitz and Knepp?
Absolutely, while traditional recipes use specific ingredients, you can swap ham for turkey for a lighter version or add herbs like thyme for extra flavor. Keep the core elements—dried apples and dumplings—for authenticity, but experiment with quantities to suit dietary needs, ensuring the sweet-savory essence remains.