Discover the hearty, homespun goodness of Schnitz Un Knepp, a beloved Pennsylvania Dutch classic that combines savory and sweet in perfect harmony. This one-pot wonder features tender smoked ham simmered with rehydrated dried apples, subtly sweetened with a touch of brown sugar, and topped with light, fluffy dumplings (knepp) made from scratch. The combination of juicy meat, tangy fruit, and pillowy dumplings creates a comforting dish that captures the essence of traditional farmhouse cooking. Ideal for cozy family dinners, this recipe is a testament to simple ingredients transformed into a satisfying, well-rounded meal. Packed with rustic charm and nostalgic flavors, Schnitz Un Knepp is sure to become a comforting favorite in your home.
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Rinse the dried apples in cold water to remove any dust or residue. Set aside.
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, combine the ham and 5 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 45 minutes to allow the ham to release its flavor.
After 45 minutes, add the dried apples to the pot. Stir in the brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cover and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes while you prepare the dumplings (knepp).
To make the dumplings, mix the flour, baking powder, and remaining 0.5 teaspoon of salt in a medium bowl. Cut in the shortening or butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add the milk to the flour mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
Once the ham and apples have simmered for 30 minutes, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the pot. Make sure the dumplings are spaced apart as they will expand while cooking.
Cover the pot tightly and allow the dumplings to steam over low heat for 15 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to ensure the dumplings cook properly.
After the dumplings are fully cooked, check the seasoning of the broth and adjust if necessary. The dish should have a balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors.
Serve the Schnitz Un Knepp hot, spooning the ham, apples, dumplings, and broth into individual bowls. Enjoy this classic Pennsylvania Dutch comfort food!
Serving size | (2602.7g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 3055.7 |
Total Fat 66.4g | 0% |
Saturated Fat 30.7g | 0% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g | |
Cholesterol 416.9mg | 0% |
Sodium 340931.8mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate 426.4g | 0% |
Dietary Fiber 33.6g | 0% |
Total Sugars 191.0g | |
Protein 181.8g | 0% |
Vitamin D 97.3IU | 0% |
Calcium 388.4mg | 0% |
Iron 14.7mg | 0% |
Potassium 4110.3mg | 0% |
Source of Calories