Yeast ravioli are a staple of Austrian cuisine. These soft yeast dumplings filled with sweet plum jam (Powidl), steamed and sprinkled with melted butter, poppy seeds, and powdered sugar, are considered the perfect dessert or even a sweet main course. This recipe is guaranteed to make this classic dish – explained step by step, with helpful tips and tricks for the fluffiest yeast dumplings possible.
What are yeast balls?
Germknödel are large steamed yeast dumplings traditionally filled with Powidl (plum jam). They originate from Austrian cuisine but are also very popular in other German-speaking regions, such as Bavaria and South Tyrol. The word “germ” comes from the Austrian word for “yeast.” The combination of sweet dumpling dough, fruity filling, rich butter, and poppy seeds creates an incomparable flavor.
Continued on the next page. Ingredients for approx. 6 yeast dumplings
For the dough:
500 g wheat flour (type 405)
250 ml lukewarm milk
1 cube of fresh yeast (or 7 g dried yeast)
50 g sugar
1 sachet of vanilla sugar
1 pinch of salt
Grated zest of one lemon
50 g melted butter
1 egg
For the filling:
Plum jam (or a jam of your choice, e.g., apricot or cherry jam)
For serving:
100 g melted butter
Grated poppy seeds
Icing sugar
Step-by-step instructions: Make your own yeast dumplings
1. Prepare the dough. The yeast dough is the heart of a good yeast dumpling. It should be light and elastic to give the ravioli their typical texture.
Activate the yeast:
Heat the milk to lukewarm (not too hot, as this will destroy the yeast).
Stir in the sugar and yeast.
Let the mixture rest for 5 to 10 minutes until a light foam forms – this indicates that the yeast is activated.
Mix the dry ingredients:
Place the flour, vanilla sugar, a pinch of salt, and grated lemon zest in a large bowl and mix well.
Prepare the dough:
Add the yeast milk, melted butter, and egg to the bowl with the dry ingredients.
First, mix the ingredients with a wooden spoon until a rough paste forms.
Knead the dough:
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 to 10 minutes until it is smooth, elastic, and pliable.
Let the dough rise:
Place the dough in a clean, lightly greased bowl and cover with a tea towel.
Let it stand in a warm place until it has doubled in size (about 40 minutes).
Tip: The ideal temperature for proving the dough is between 25 and 30°C. If your kitchen is cooler, you can place the bowl in a slightly preheated (but turned off!) oven.
2. Form balls
Divide the dough:
Gently press the dough to release any air and divide it into 6 equal pieces.
Filling:
Flatten each piece of dough and place about a teaspoon of plum jam in the center.
Fence:
Carefully fold the dough around the filling and carefully seal the dumplings by pinching the ends together.
Roll the meatballs into smooth balls with your hands and place them seam-down on a floured board or parchment paper.
Second Walk:
Cover the formed dumplings and let them rest for another 20 minutes to allow them to rise.
3. Steam
Prepare the pot:
Bring water to a boil in a large pot.
Lightly grease a steamer accessory (such as a metal colander or bamboo steamer).
Steamed Dumplings:
Place the dumplings in the steamer, leaving plenty of space between them.
Place the steamer attachment on top of the pot, cover, and let the ravioli steam for 20 minutes.
Do not open the lid during cooking, as the dumplings may collapse.
4. Serve and serve
Melt the butter:
Heat the butter in a small saucepan until completely melted.
Fill the meatballs:
Serve the warm meatballs on plates, pour over melted butter generously, and sprinkle with grated poppy seeds and powdered sugar.
Tip: For a special flavor, you can add a little vanilla or a pinch of cinnamon to the melted butter.
Conclusion: Yeast dumplings – a touch of Austria on your plate
Yeast dumplings are not only a culinary delight, but also a part of Austrian culture. With this recipe, you can easily prepare this popular dessert at home. Whether as a dessert, main course, or the highlight of a special meal, yeast ravioli is guaranteed to bring joy to the table.
Try it and discover the incomparable taste of this classic dish. Enjoy!
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