What You’ll Need
- 250g stale bread
- 200ml milk
- 150g speck or any cured meat
- 100g cheese (such as Parmesan, Asiago, or Fontina)
- 2 eggs
- 1 small onion
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 1: Soak the Bread
Start by tearing the stale bread into small pieces and placing them in a bowl. Pour the milk over the bread and let it soak for about 10 minutes. This will soften the bread and make it easier to work with.
Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients
Meanwhile, finely chop the onion and speck (or cured meat of your choice). Grate the cheese and set all the ingredients aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Speck
In a skillet, heat the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Then, add the speck and cook until slightly crispy. Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
Step 4: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the soaked bread, sautéed onion and speck, grated cheese, eggs, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Form the Canederli
With your hands slightly wet to prevent sticking, shape the mixture into small dumplings, about the size of golf balls. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
Step 6: Cook the Canederli
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully drop the canederli into the boiling water and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Remove them with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, you can serve the canederli immediately. They are delicious when served with melted butter, grated cheese, or even in a flavorful broth. Bon appétit!
Preparing delicious canederli is a rewarding culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds to the Italian Alps. While the process may seem involved, each step is simple and brings you one step closer to enjoying these delightful dumplings. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients to create your own unique variation. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to savor the flavors of Italy!