Potato dumplings vegan with spinach and mushrooms (pockets)

These vegan potato dumplings (pockets) have a spinach and mushroom filling and are made with potatoes that have been cooked in advance.

General information about Maultaschen: Maultaschen are a traditional specialty in Swabian cuisine. They are pockets made of pasta dough and filled with a basic mixture of sausage meat, spinach, onions, and bread crumbs. They are very likely the Swabian version of more well-known Italian pastas such as ravioli and tortellini. The spinach filling is reminiscent of its Italian origin as is the fact that you find Walsertorten (Waldensian cakes) in Maulbronn, a city in the northern part of Baden-Württemberg, since Waldensians were Protestant religious refugees from northern Italy. Maultaschen are also available as sweet desserts.

Additional information: From Wikipedia: “Maultaschen are similar to the Italian ravioli but are typically larger in size—each Maultasche being approximately 8–12 centimeters (3–5 inches across). They are almost invariably square or rectangular in shape. On 22 October 2009, the European Union recognized Maultaschen (Schwäbische Maultaschen or Schwäbische Suppenmaultaschen) as a "regional specialty" and remarked that the dish is significant to the cultural heritage of Baden-Württemberg. This measure provides protection to the integrity of the dish, mandating that genuine Maultaschen are only produced in Swabia, a historical region that was incorporated into the modern German states of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria.”

Important for the flavor: Make sure to use young spinach and freshly ground pepper. The boiled potatoes should be completely cold before they are put through the potato ricer. The author’s grandmother preferred darker varieties of potatoes. You should use an all-purpose white flour (type 550).

Alternative kitchen utensils: Instead of using a potato masher, potato pestle masher, potato ricer, or pastry cutter, you can also use a food mill or a handheld electric mixer.

Preparing boiled potatoes in their jackets: Place starchy potatoes in a saucepan with unsalted water so that they are just covered and then boil for about 15 to 20 minutes until tender. You can stick them with a fork or knife to see if they are done. If there is almost no resistance and it falls back into the water on its own, the potatoes are most likely done. Drain and then let cool. The potatoes should be cold before you peel them. You can use cold water to cool them more quickly, and then the skins will also come off more easily.