knaidel

Etymology

Borrowed from Yiddish קניידל (kneydl), cognate to German Knödel (“dumpling”). Doublet of quenelle.

noun

1. A type of dumpling made of matzo eaten by Ashkenazi Jews during Passover.
   There she tests the offending knaydl. Once again the golf ball scoots around the bowl. 1982, Bernard Harper Friedman, “Choosing a Name”, in Coming Close: A Novella and Three Stories as Alternative Autobiographies, page 168
   What is real chicken soup without Jewish matzoh balls, also known as knaidlach, made from matzoh meal? 2000, Beth Hensperger, Fluffy Knaidlach: The Best Quick Breads, unnumbered page
   I checked the date on the receipt and it was only a few days beforehand – that is to say, Davidov had been in London immediately before coming to France. And paying cash for smoked salmon followed by mehren tzimmes with knaidel. 2009, L. C. Tyler, Ten Little Herrings, unnumbered page
   Once asked on a radio show about the derivation of knaidlach, I explained that the original knaidlach were actually rock hard, and created by Azhkenazic housewives as a weapon of self-defence.[…]The real origin of the knaidel, according to author John Cooper, is the south German Knödel, or dumpling—popular in German cuisine since the Middle Ages. 2011, Phyllis Glazer, Miriyam Glazer, The Essential Book of Jewish Festival Cooking, page 21
   If knaidl is dark in the center, ascertain whether this is the horseradish filling or an uncooked part. Don't overcook the knaidlach or they will fall apart. 2012, Jayne Cohen, Jewish Holiday Cooking, unnumbered page
   Auntie Gussie would bring her tsimmes, sugared diced carrots baked with meat, and knaidel, a kind of matzo ball. 2012, Sue Boggio, Mare Pearl, A Growing Season, unnumbered page