Halacha: What Blessing is Recited Over Kneidlach?

On the kneidlach, recite the 'Mezonot' blessing (first blessing)

At the end of the meal, recite 'Borei Nefashot' (final blessing)

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The portion size necessary to be obligated to recite the final blessing (from "Daily Halacha" based on the rulings of Maran Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, of blessed memory):

For anything a person eats, they must recite a "first blessing" over it, such as the "Shehakol" or "Ha'etz" blessing. Even if one only eats a small amount of that food, they are required to bless it, as long as they intend to eat. (However, if they only taste the food to adjust seasoning or similar purposes, they do not recite a blessing at all on this act of tasting). Therefore, someone chewing flavored gum, even though they swallow very little, must still bless for the enjoyment of the gum's flavor. Similarly, anyone who drinks something must bless it, even if they only intend to drink just a drop.

However, all this applies specifically to the first blessing. The final blessing is only recited when one has an "important" consumption of food, and the portion size for this is a "kezayit," which is twenty-seven grams, and in terms of drinking, it is a "revi'it," which is eighty-one grams.

In addition, for the eating or drinking to count together, they must be consumed within a timeframe that joins them. For example, if a person eats a "kezayit" of bread all day long, bit by bit, they obviously cannot recite the blessing over the food afterwards. Instead, the consumption of a "kezayit" must occur within the timeframe of an "eating of an olive's volume," and there are different opinions on this, with some saying it is five minutes, and others saying it is about seven and a half minutes (with other views as well). Therefore, it is advised to always eat a "kezayit" (especially during Shabbat meals) within four and a half minutes to satisfy all opinions.

Regarding the final blessing for a beverage, one must drink a 'revi'it' (which is eighty-one grams) all at once. If they pause between sips, they do not recite a final blessing at all. Therefore, someone drinking soup with a spoon does not recite a final blessing for drinking that soup, since they did not drink a 'revi'it' all at once. Similarly, someone drinking coffee or tea while hot does not recite a final blessing, because they cannot drink it all at once.