How to cook canederli with speck

If you’re a fan of Italian cuisine, you must have heard of canederli, a traditional dish originating from the region of South Tyrol in northern Italy. Canederli are bread dumplings often served as a first course or a main dish. While there are several variations of canederli, one of the most popular and flavorful options is canederli with speck. In this article, we will provide you with an easy-to-follow recipe on how to cook canederli with speck that will surely impress your family and friends.

To make canederli with speck, you will need the following ingredients:

– 250g day-old bread
– 100g speck (smoked ham)
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 eggs
– 150ml milk
– 50g Parmesan cheese, grated
– 50g butter
– 100g flour
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Parsley, finely chopped
– Nutmeg (optional)

Now let’s dive into the cooking process:

1. Begin by cutting the day-old bread into small cubes, around 1cm in size. Place the bread cubes in a large bowl.

2. In a separate frying pan, melt a knob of butter and sauté the chopped onion until translucent. Add the speck, which has been cut into small cubes or thinly sliced, and cook until it becomes slightly crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. In a bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra flavor if desired.

4. Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes and mix well until the bread is well coated. Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes, allowing the bread to absorb the liquid properly.

5. Once the bread has soaked up the mixture and become softer, add the sautéed onion and speck to the bowl. Mix everything together until well combined.

6. Gradually add flour to the mixture while stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and forms a sticky dough. The amount of flour needed may vary, so add it gradually until the desired consistency is achieved.

7. Shape the dough into small balls or large dumplings, depending on your preference. Wetting your hands with water will prevent the dough from sticking to your fingers.

8. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Once boiling, gently add the canederli to the pot. Be careful not to overcrowd the pot; rather, cook them in batches.

9. Let the canederli cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until they rise to the surface. This indicates that they are cooked through.

10. Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the cooked canederli from the pot and transfer them to a serving plate.

11.To enhance the flavor, heat a skillet and melt the remaining butter. Drizzle the melted butter over the canederli and sprinkle them with finely chopped parsley.

Your canederli with speck are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them hot, and they can be accompanied by a simple salad or eaten on their own. This dish is incredibly satisfying, hearty, and full of flavors that will transport you to the beautiful alpine region of South Tyrol in Italy.

Whether you’re looking to explore the world of Italian cuisine or simply craving a comforting meal, canederli with speck is a must-try dish. With its unique combination of ingredients and straightforward cooking process, you’ll find yourself falling in love with this traditional Italian delight. So, put on your apron, gather the ingredients, and give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!