Raspeballer (Norwegian Potato Dumplings)

Experience the comforting taste of Norwegian cuisine with Raspeballer, a traditional dish of hearty potato dumplings often served with salted meat, bacon, or sausages. Known by different names across Norway — such as klubb or komle — these dumplings are a beloved part of Norwegian heritage, bringing warmth and nostalgia to every meal.

Ingredients

• 6 medium potatoes, peeled
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons barley flour (optional, for authentic texture)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 slices bacon or salted pork, chopped
• 1 tablespoon butter (for frying bacon)
• Optional: cooked salted lamb, sausage, or ham hock for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes

   Peel the potatoes and grate them finely. Place the grated potatoes in a clean cloth or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This helps the dumplings hold their shape.

2. Make the Dough

   In a large bowl, mix the grated potatoes with flour, barley flour (if using), salt, and pepper. Combine until a sticky dough forms. If the mixture feels too wet, add a little more flour.

3. Form the Dumplings

   Using wet hands, shape the dough into round balls, about the size of a golf ball. If you like, you can press a small piece of cooked bacon or salted pork into the center of each dumpling before sealing it.

4. Cook the Raspeballer

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Carefully drop the dumplings into the water, making sure they don’t stick together. Simmer for about 45–60 minutes, until the dumplings float and are firm to the touch.

5. Prepare the Bacon

   While the dumplings cook, fry chopped bacon or salted pork in butter until crispy. Set aside for serving.

6. Serve

   Drain the dumplings and serve hot with crispy bacon and melted butter drizzled on top. For a traditional Norwegian meal, pair them with boiled salted meat, sausages, or mashed rutabaga (kålrotstappe).

Serving

Enjoy Raspeballer as a hearty main dish on a cold day. The combination of soft potato dumplings, savory meat, and rich butter captures the essence of Norwegian comfort food.

Savor this authentic taste of Norway, where simple ingredients come together to create a meal that’s both rustic and deeply satisfying.