There’s something undeniably magical about a warm bowl of soup. It has the power to comfort, to soothe, and to bring a little bit of warmth to even the coldest of days. And when you talk about traditional, hearty soups, few come close to the iconic Kroll’s Knoephla Soup. Hailing from the German-Russian immigrant communities of the Midwest, this soup is a beautiful reflection of both heritage and flavor, with its creamy base and pillowy dumplings. If you’ve never had it, get ready to experience a soup that feels like home, no matter where you are.
Kroll’s Knoephla Soup is a dish that celebrates the simple pleasures of homemade cooking. The knoephla (pronounced ’knuh-fla’) are soft, dumpling-like treasures that float in a creamy, chicken-infused broth. It’s rich, savory, and just the right amount of comforting-a perfect dish for a chilly evening or for bringing the family together around the dinner table.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the essential steps and secrets to crafting this classic soup from scratch. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!
Kroll’s Knoephla Soup Recipe
A dish that has been handed down through generations, Kroll’s Knoephla Soup blends elements of hearty, rustic cooking with the comfort of a rich, flavorful broth. The knoephla themselves are essentially potato dumplings, delicate and fluffy in texture, swimming in a rich cream-based soup that’s loaded with tender chicken and vegetables. This recipe has been passed through generations, and I can promise you it’s one that will satisfy every craving for comfort food.
Ingredients Needed
When you’re cooking a soup like Kroll’s Knoephla, quality ingredients are key. The components might seem simple, but each one plays a crucial role in making the soup as good as it can be. Here’s a rundown of the ingredients you’ll need:
For The Soup Base
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Chicken (about 4-5 Skinless, Bone-in Pieces)
You can use chicken thighs or breasts, but using bone-in chicken will provide extra depth of flavor and a richer broth.
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Yellow Onion (1 Medium)
The onion gives the soup a savory, aromatic base. A medium-sized onion works perfectly here.
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Carrots (2 Medium)
Adds a touch of sweetness and color to the broth. Slice them thin to let them cook down faster.
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Celery (2-3 Stalks)
Celery complements the carrots with its fresh, slightly earthy flavor.
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Garlic (2 Cloves, Minced)
A small yet mighty ingredient that brightens the flavor of the soup.
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Chicken Broth (6 Cups)
If you have homemade chicken stock, use it! Otherwise, store-bought works just fine. A low-sodium option is best to avoid an overly salty broth.
For The Knoephla Dumplings
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Flour (2 Cups)
All-purpose flour is the best option here to create the light, doughy texture of the knoephla.
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Baking Powder (1 Tsp)
This gives the knoephla a soft, fluffy texture.
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Salt (1 Tsp)
It balances the flavor in the dumplings.
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Egg (1 Large)
The egg holds the dumpling dough together while keeping it soft.
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Milk (3/4 Cup)
Milk ensures the dough has the right amount of moisture without being too sticky.
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Potatoes (2 Medium, Peeled And Finely Mashed)
The mashed potatoes give the knoephla their characteristic light, pillowy texture.
For The Creaminess
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Heavy Cream (1 Cup)
This is the key to achieving that rich, velvety consistency that makes Kroll’s Knoephla Soup so indulgent.
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Butter (2 Tbsp)
Adds a silky, smooth richness to the soup, making it extra comforting.
Cooking Instructions
Now that we have all the ingredients lined up, let’s get to the fun part: cooking! The process might seem a bit involved, but trust me, every step is worth it for the depth of flavor you’re about to create.
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Prepare The Chicken
Start by adding the chicken to a large pot along with the chicken broth. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat, cooking for about 30-40 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Remove the chicken, let it cool, and shred it into bite-sized pieces.
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Make The Soup Base
While the chicken is cooking, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in a bit of butter or oil in a separate pan. You want to cook them until they’re tender, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic in for the last minute of cooking so it doesn’t burn. Once they’re soft and fragrant, add the sautéed vegetables to the chicken broth and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
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Prepare The Knoephla Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, mashed potatoes, egg, and milk. Stir until everything is incorporated into a soft, sticky dough. You’ll want it to be thick, but still a little tacky. If it’s too sticky, you can add a little extra flour, but be careful not to overdo it.
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Form The Dumplings
Bring your soup back to a simmer. Using a spoon, scoop out small portions of the knoephla dough (about 1 tablespoon per dumpling) and drop them into the simmering broth. They will float to the top as they cook, so be patient and allow them to cook for about 10-15 minutes.
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Add The Chicken And Cream
Once the dumplings are cooked through, return the shredded chicken to the soup and stir in the heavy cream. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Let everything cook together for another 5-10 minutes for the flavors to meld.
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Finish With Butter
For that last touch of richness, stir in the butter right before serving. It will make the soup silky smooth and add an extra layer of comfort.
Ingredient Insights
Each ingredient in Kroll’s Knoephla Soup serves a purpose, contributing to the texture, flavor, or richness of the dish.
- Chicken: The base of the soup, providing a savory, meaty flavor and a solid foundation for the broth. Bone-in chicken, in particular, imparts more flavor and helps make the broth fuller and richer.
- Carrots & Celery: These veggies give a natural sweetness and freshness to the broth. Celery adds a crisp undertone, while carrots mellow out the soup with a light sweetness.
- Knoephla Dumplings (Potatoes, Flour, Milk): The combination of mashed potatoes and flour in the dumplings creates a soft, pillowy texture. The milk helps keep them moist and tender, while the egg binds everything together.
- Heavy Cream & Butter: These ingredients transform the soup into a rich, indulgent meal. The cream adds velvety smoothness, and the butter finishes the dish with a luscious mouthfeel.
Expert Tips
- Make Sure Your Dumplings are Fluffy: One of the keys to perfect knoephla is making sure the dough isn’t too dense. If it feels too thick, add a little more milk. But don’t overwork the dough, or the knoephla will be too tough!
- Don’t Skip the Chicken Broth: Homemade chicken stock can elevate this soup to the next level. If you have the time, make your own!
- Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer a bit longer before adding the cream. For a thinner broth, you can add more chicken stock or water as needed.
- Perfecting the Salt: Taste the soup as you go! Adding salt to taste at different stages (like in the dumplings, the broth, and before serving) ensures the flavors stay balanced.
Recipe Variations
Kroll’s Knoephla Soup is incredibly versatile, and you can tweak it to suit different tastes or dietary preferences:
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth. You can add extra veggies like zucchini, peas, or corn for added texture.
- Add Some Greens: Feel free to stir in a handful of spinach, kale, or even Swiss chard for added nutrients and color.
- Use Sausage or Bacon: For a smoky twist, you can substitute the chicken with sausage or add bacon for a crispy topping.
- Spicy Kick: Add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy variation that’ll warm you up even more.
Final Words
Kroll’s Knoephla Soup is more than just a meal-it’s an experience. It’s the type of dish that brings people together, whether it’s a chilly Sunday night, a family gathering, or a quiet evening at home. Its simple ingredients combine into something extraordinary, reminding us of the beauty of slow-cooked, homemade food.
This soup is so much more than just a recipe; it’s a tradition, a story, and a little slice of comfort that we can all enjoy.
FAQs
What Is Kroll’s Knoephla Soup?
Kroll’s Knoephla Soup is a popular dish originating from North Dakota, consisting of a rich and creamy base with dumplings called ’knoephla’. The soup typically includes chicken, potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions, making it a hearty and comforting meal.
What Are Knoephla Dumplings Made Of?
Knoephla dumplings are typically made from flour, eggs, milk, salt, and baking powder. The ingredients are mixed together to form a soft dough, which is then shaped into small dumplings and added to the soup.
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead Of Whole Chicken For Kroll’s Knoephla Soup?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts as a substitute for whole chicken. It will make the soup preparation quicker, but using a whole chicken can add more depth of flavor and a richer broth.
How Do I Make The Soup Creamy?
To achieve a creamy texture in Kroll’s Knoephla Soup, heavy cream or half-and-half is typically added to the broth. Some variations also use milk or a combination of milk and cream for a smoother finish.
Can I Make Kroll’s Knoephla Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of Kroll’s Knoephla Soup by substituting the chicken with vegetables such as mushrooms or tofu and using vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. The dumplings can still be made as usual.
How Long Does It Take To Make Kroll’s Knoephla Soup?
The preparation time for Kroll’s Knoephla Soup is usually around 30 minutes, with an additional 45 minutes to 1 hour for simmering the soup. The total time can vary depending on the cooking method and whether you’re using pre-cooked chicken.
What Type Of Potatoes Should I Use In Kroll’s Knoephla Soup?
Waxy potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes, are ideal for Kroll’s Knoephla Soup. These types of potatoes hold their shape better during cooking, providing a nice texture in the soup without disintegrating.
Can I Freeze Kroll’s Knoephla Soup?
Yes, Kroll’s Knoephla Soup can be frozen. However, the dumplings may become slightly softer upon reheating. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
What Should I Serve With Kroll’s Knoephla Soup?
Kroll’s Knoephla Soup is typically a meal in itself due to its hearty ingredients. However, it pairs well with crusty bread, a side salad, or pickled vegetables for a more complete meal.
How Can I Adjust The Seasoning In Kroll’s Knoephla Soup?
To adjust the seasoning in Kroll’s Knoephla Soup, taste the broth as it simmers and add salt, pepper, garlic, or herbs (such as thyme or rosemary) as needed. A splash of lemon juice or vinegar can also balance the flavors, if desired.