Hafalaab

Hafalaab

Hafalaab (HAH-fah-lahb)

Liver Dumpling Soup

Prep Time 40 min
📈 Difficulty Medium
👥 Servings
4
🔥 Calories 304 kcal

A hearty alpine soup with small beef liver dumplings simmered in a clear, aromatic beef broth flavored with marjoram and parsley.

Nutrition & Info

310 kcal per serving
Protein 18.0g
Carbs 22.0g
Fat 16.0g
Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ gluten ⚠ eggs

Equipment Needed

large soup pot mixing bowl two spoons for shaping

Presentation Guide

Vessel: deep ceramic soup bowl

Garnishes: chives, parsley

Accompaniments: crusty bread

Instructions

  1. 1

    Soak stale bread in milk until soft, then squeeze out excess liquid and crumble finely into a mixing bowl.

  2. 2

    Combine minced beef liver with soaked bread, egg, diced onion, parsley, marjoram, and enough breadcrumbs to bind. Season with salt and pepper.

  3. 3

    Knead mixture until smooth and let rest for fifteen minutes in the refrigerator to firm up.

  4. 4

    Bring beef broth to a gentle simmer in a large pot. Form small dumplings using two moistened spoons.

  5. 5

    Drop dumplings carefully into the simmering broth and cook for twelve minutes until they float and are cooked through.

  6. 6

    Ladle soup into warm bowls, distributing dumplings evenly, and garnish with fresh chives.

💡

Did You Know?

Hafalaab was traditionally made on slaughtering days when fresh liver was abundant, making it a seasonal treat in alpine communities.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

  • large soup pot
  • mixing bowl
  • two spoons for shaping

Garnishing

chives, parsley

Accompaniments

crusty bread

The Story Behind Hafalaab

Hafalaab reflects the alpine tradition of using every part of the animal, a necessity in the small principality where resources were historically scarce. The dish evolved from medieval peasant cooking when bread and offal were combined to create filling meals. In Liechtenstein, this liver dumpling soup became a beloved starter, served in homes and mountain restaurants throughout the cold months, connecting modern diners to centuries of frugal alpine culinary wisdom.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed lunch starter, winter meals 📜 Origins: Medieval alpine

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