Vaduzer Hafalaab (Liechtensteiner Toasted Cornmeal & Wheat Dumplings with Broth & Onions) – Authentic Liechtenstein Recipe
Besides Käsknöpfle, Hafalaab is Liechtenstein’s most iconic indigenous dish: sliced dumplings pan-fried crisp in butter.
- Country of Origin
- 🇱🇮 Liechtenstein (Central Europe, Europe)
- Dietary Profile
- vegetarian
- Prep Time
- 15 min
- Cook Time
- 20 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Signature Staples
- Sliced golden cornmeal-and-wheat dumplings pan-crisped in butter, Caramelized onions, Savory vegetable broth, Freshly grated nutmeg, Chives
Ingredients for Vaduzer Hafalaab (Liechtensteiner Toasted Cornmeal & Wheat Dumplings with Broth & Onions) (4 Servings)
- 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) sliced golden cornmeal-and-wheat dumplings pan-crisped in butter, prepped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups caramelized onions, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup savory vegetable broth
- 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with freshly grated nutmeg
- 1.5 tbsp traditional Liechtenstein seasoning (chives, cracked black pepper)
- 2.5 tbsp traditional cooking oil, sea salt, cracked black pepper, and fresh citrus or herbs
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Heat oil in a wide heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sauté onion, garlic, and freshly grated nutmeg for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add sliced golden cornmeal-and-wheat dumplings pan-crisped in butter and caramelized onions along with chives, cracked black pepper, searing for 8–10 minutes while tossing occasionally.
- Deglaze the pan with a splash of broth or citrus so the caramelized fond coats every bite.
- Garnish with savory vegetable broth and serve straight from the skillet.