Mohnnudeln (Austrian Potato Dumplings With Sweet Poppy Seed–Butter Sauce)

Instructions

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1. 1 For the Potato Noodles: In a large pot, cover potatoes with water. Set potatoes over medium-high heat and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook until potatoes are completely tender, about 15 minutes after reaching a simmer. Drain well, allowing potatoes to steam for 1 minute to remove excess moisture.
2. 2 Set a ricer or food mill over a large mixing bowl and pass potatoes through. Add flour, egg yolks, butter, and salt, and, using clean hands, knead until thoroughly combined and a smooth, moist but not overly sticky dough forms.
3. 3 Transfer potato dough to a well-floured work surface and form into a log shape. Divide log into 4 equal portions. Working with one portion at a time, use your hands to roll dough into a 1-inch-thick snake; dust with flour as needed to prevent sticking.
4. 4 Cut snake into roughly 1-inch pieces (note that there is no rule about how large or small each potato noodle should be; feel free to make them whatever size you want, but try to keep them somewhat consistent). Using you hands, roll each piece into a tapered cigar shape, then transfer to a lightly floured baking sheet or platter.
5. 5 Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a gentle boil, then reduce to a steady simmer. Add the potato noodles and cook until they rise to the surface and are just cooked through, about 2–3 minutes, depending on their size. Stir once or twice very gently to prevent sticking, but avoid agitation—a vigorous boil or rough stirring can cause them to break apart. As the noodles float, let them cook for about 30 seconds longer, then lift them out with a slotted spoon or spider and transfer to a platter.
6. 6 For the Poppy Seed Sauce and to Finish: In a small mixing bowl, stir together ground poppy seeds and sugar. In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt butter with scraped vanilla seeds over medium heat until melted and foaming.
7. 7 Add cooked potato noodles, gently tossing to coat with butter. Spoon poppy seed mixture on top, gently tossing to coat. Transfer to plates and serve right away.