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hearty german dumpling dish

German Maultaschen

These German stuffed pasta dumplings are Germany's heartier answer to ravioli. With a savory filling of meat, vegetables, and bread encased in pasta, Maultaschen deliver comfort in every bite. Versatile enough to serve in broth, pan-fried, or topped with buttery breadcrumbs.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: German
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

  • 3-4 slices good quality bread
  • Milk or water for soaking bread
  • 1 pound spinach fresh or frozen
  • 2 tablespoons butter or oil
  • 1/2 medium onion minced
  • 1 cup ground beef
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3-4 eggs beaten, for filling
  • 1 package wonton wrappers 12 ounces
  • 1 egg beaten with a little water, for sealing

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Frying pan

Method
 

  1. If using fresh spinach, blanch in boiling water for 1-2 minutes until wilted. If using frozen spinach, thaw completely. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible through a colander, then chop finely and set aside.
  2. Heat butter or oil in a pan and sauté the minced onion until translucent and fragrant.
  3. Add ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks until just browned through. Set aside to cool slightly.
  4. Soak bread slices in milk or water until soft, then squeeze out excess moisture.
  5. In a large bowl, combine spinach, beef mixture, and crumbled bread. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
  6. Add beaten eggs and mix thoroughly until it forms a cohesive paste that holds together when pressed but remains somewhat soft.
  7. Lay out wonton wrappers and place about 1-2 teaspoons of filling in the center of each.
  8. Brush the edges with the egg-water mixture, then fold in half to create half-moon shapes. Press edges firmly to seal.
  9. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rapid boil and gently drop in the Maultaschen.
  10. Cook for 8-10 minutes until they float to the surface and look slightly puffed.
  11. Serve traditionally in clear beef broth, pan-fried with eggs, or topped with browned butter and toasted breadcrumbs.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute ground chicken or lamb for the beef. You can also create an herb variation by replacing half the spinach with minced parsley and chives.
Maultaschen can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 days before cooking. They also freeze beautifully—just place them on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to freezer bags.
Serve with traditional sides like German potato salad, sauerkraut, or a simple green salad with vinaigrette. A cold German pilsner or Riesling pairs perfectly with this dish.