Dive into the heart of Czech gastronomy with knedlíky, a beloved dish that embodies the rich culinary heritage of the Czech Republic. These fluffy, dumpling-like creations serve as versatile accompaniments to various meat dishes, soups, and stews, and are cherished for their comforting texture and subtle flavor. Join us on a culinary journey as we unravel the secrets behind knedlíky, exploring their history, preparation methods, and regional variations. Whether enjoyed as a side dish or the star of the meal, knedlíky epitomize the soul-warming delights of Czech cuisine, inviting both locals and visitors alike to savor the taste of tradition.

Here's a traditional recipe for Czech Republic Knedlíky made from bread:

Ingredients:

• 300g stale white bread (preferably Czech-style bread with a dense crumb)
• 250ml milk
• 2 eggs
• 50g all-purpose flour
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1- Begin by cutting the stale bread into small cubes or slices. Place them in a large mixing bowl.

2- In a saucepan, heat the milk until it's warm but not boiling. Pour the warm milk over the bread cubes, ensuring that all the bread pieces are moistened. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the bread to absorb the milk.

3- Once the bread has soaked up the milk and softened, use a potato masher or fork to mash it into a smooth paste.

4- Beat the eggs in a separate bowl and then add them to the mashed bread mixture. Mix well until the eggs are fully incorporated.

5- Gradually add the flour to the bread mixture, stirring continuously until you achieve a thick, dough-like consistency. The dough should be soft but not too sticky.

6- Season the dough with salt to taste and mix it thoroughly.

7- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

8- While the water is heating, shape the dough into small, round dumplings, about the size of a tennis ball, using your hands.

9- Carefully drop the dumplings into the boiling water. Be cautious not to overcrowd the pot.

10- Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the dumplings for about 15-20 minutes, or until they float to the surface and are cooked through.

11- Once cooked, remove the dumplings from the water using a slotted spoon and drain them on a plate lined with paper towels.

12- Serve the knedlíky warm as a side dish with your favorite meat dishes, soups, or stews.

Enjoy your authentic Czech Republic Knedlíky!

Nutritional Values:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the ingredients used in the Czech Republic Knedlíky recipe:

Stale White Bread (300g):

• Calories: 600 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 120g
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 6g

benefits:

• Provides carbohydrates for energy.
• Contains dietary fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting gut health.
• Contains small amounts of protein and fat for essential nutrients.

Milk (250ml):

• Calories: 122 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 5g

benefits:

• Excellent source of calcium, supporting bone health.
• Provides protein for muscle repair and growth.
• Contains vitamins and minerals like vitamin D, vitamin A, and potassium.

Eggs (2 large):

• Calories: 140 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 10g

benefits:

• High-quality protein source, essential for muscle development and repair.
• Rich in vitamins such as vitamin B12, riboflavin, and folate, supporting overall health.
• Contains healthy fats and essential amino acids necessary for various bodily functions.

All-purpose Flour (50g):

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 0.5g
• Fiber: 1.5g

benefits:

• Supplies carbohydrates, serving as a primary energy source.
• Contains some protein, contributing to tissue repair and growth.
• Provides small amounts of dietary fiber and essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins.

Salt (to taste):

• Nutritional values are negligible as salt is primarily for flavoring and doesn't contribute significant macronutrients.

benefits:

• Enhances flavor and taste of dishes.
• Regulates fluid balance in the body.
• Provides essential electrolytes, like sodium and chloride, necessary for nerve function and muscle contraction.

Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific brands and types of ingredients used. Additionally, the nutritional values for the finished dish would depend on factors such as serving size and any additional ingredients or condiments used in preparation.