Potetball/komle/raspeball or Norwegian potato dumpling)
Potetball/komle/raspeball is a traditional Norwegian potato dumpling that has been a staple in Norwegian cooking for centuries. Its origins go back to rural Norway in the 18th and 19th centuries, when potatoes became a common crop and an important part of the Norwegian diet. Because potatoes were cheap, filling, and easy to store through long winters, they quickly became essential in everyday meals. The main ingredient is peeled potatoes, which are grated or ground up and mixed with flour, usually barley or wheat, to make the balls stick together.
Different regions developed their own versions of potetball, which is why the dish has many names—raspeball, kumle, komle, kompe, klubb, krumme, klot, ball, kjuke, or potetball. Each with small variations in ingredients or preparation. Some areas add barley or wheat flour for firmness, while others use only potatoes. In some regions, potetball is stuffed with salty cured meat, resulting in “komle med dott” (dumpling with filling).
A similar German dish is called Kartoffelkloß og Knödel eller Kartoffelknödel.
In addition to the dinner plate, you can add boiled meat, preferably lightly salted, which is a common side dish for this dish. Meat from sheep, pork, and beef is used, as well as smoked meat sausages and fried pork. Rutabaga is often served with the dish, often in the form of mashed rutabaga (kålrotstappe) or boiled slices. Fry bacon pieces are also added to the plate, together with the bacon fat. Buttermilk is served to drink with the meal. Also, the traditional flat bread is added.
Potetball was traditionally eaten on Thursdays, a custom that still exists in many parts of Norway. It was valued as a practical, hearty meal that could feed large families and provide energy during physical farm work. Some local cafes in Norway that serve dinner dishes often serve this dish on Thursday. Often along the Norwegian coastline. Do ask for it if they serve it, and they do that.
Many people brag about it on Instagram, see below for yourself.