Salzburger Nockerl Recipe

Salzburger Nockerl Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Nockerl:
  • 4 large egg whites
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar (optional, helps stabilize the egg whites)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • Powdered sugar for dusting
• For the Vanilla Sauce:
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise, or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 3 tablespoons sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Grease a large, oven-safe dish with butter. Some prefer to sprinkle the base with a bit of sugar or add a thin layer of fruit preserves.
2. Make the Nockerl:
   • In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
   • Gradually add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
   • Quickly but gently fold in the egg yolks and flour, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
3. Shape the Nockerl:
   • Use a large spoon to form three to four large, oval-shaped dumplings. Place them in the prepared dish, ensuring they do not touch each other.
4. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the Nockerl are puffed and golden brown on top.
5. Prepare the Vanilla Sauce:
   • While the Nockerl are baking, prepare the sauce. Combine the cream, sugar, and vanilla (seeds scraped from the bean pod if using) in a small saucepan.
   • Heat over medium until the mixture is hot but not boiling.
   • In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Gradually temper the yolks by adding some of the hot cream mixture, whisking constantly.
   • Return the yolk mixture to the saucepan and heat gently, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
   • Do not allow the sauce to boil. Remove from heat and strain if necessary.
6. Serve:
   • Dust the Salzburger Nockerl with powdered sugar.
   • Serve immediately with the warm vanilla sauce poured around the base.

This dessert is not only a treat for the palate but also a beautiful, impressive dish to present at the end of a meal. Enjoy the fluffy texture contrasted with the creamy, rich sauce!