Ingredients:
- 300g of stale bread
- 300ml of milk
- 3 eggs
- 100g of speck (smoked ham), diced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 30g of butter
- 50g of Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 1: Soak the Bread
Begin by cutting the stale bread into small cubes and placing them in a large bowl. Heat the milk in a saucepan until warm and pour it over the bread. Let it soak for about 10 minutes or until the bread cubes become soft and mushy.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Speck
In a frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and diced speck, and sauté until the onion turns translucent and the speck becomes crispy. This step adds a depth of flavor to the canederli.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Once the bread has soaked and the onion and speck mixture is ready, it’s time to combine all the ingredients. In the bowl with the soaked bread, add the sautéed onion and speck, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, eggs, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
Step 4: Shape the Canederli
Now it’s time to shape the canederli. Use your hands to form small balls from the mixture, about the size of a golf ball. If the mixture is too sticky, dampen your hands with water to make the process easier.
Step 5: Cook the Canederli
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Gently drop the canederli into the boiling water and cook for about 15 minutes or until they float to the surface. Remove the cooked canederli from the water with a slotted spoon and set them aside.
Step 6: Butter and Serve
In a separate pan, melt some butter over low heat. Once melted, add the cooked canederli to the pan and gently toss them to coat them in the butter. This step adds richness and flavor to the dish. Serve the buttered canederli hot, garnished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
By following these simple steps, you can create a mouthwatering dish of buttered canederli. These delicious dumplings can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish alongside a hearty soup. So, put on your apron and get ready to impress your taste buds and those of your guests with this traditional Italian recipe!