Homemade Dumplings Recipe (with Video)

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Cook Time: 15 minutes

Craving light, fluffy, and tender dumplings just like mom used to make? Look no further. These homemade dumplings are quick to prepare using only six common ingredients, and theyre even easier to devour. Follow this foolproof recipe, and youll get perfect dumplings every single time.

What Are Dumplings?

A dumpling is a small ball of dough that can be boiled, fried, baked, or steamed. With so many variations ranging from pork- and cabbage-filled Chinese dumplings to cheesy Polish ones the options are endless. The U.S. loves boiled drop dumplings, often paired with chicken and broth to make a comforting dish known as chicken and dumplings. These drop dumplings are easy to make: simply drop spoonfuls of dough into a pot of simmering soup or stew. The starch from the dumplings thickens the broth, creating a rich, flavorful stew that's impossible to resist.

Dumpling Ingredients

This recipe calls for just six ingredients that are likely already in your pantry:

• Flour: All-purpose flour provides structure, binding the ingredients together.
• Baking Powder: This leavening agent creates the lift, making the dumplings light and fluffy.
• White Sugar: A small amount of sugar adds a touch of sweetness and helps retain moisture, keeping the dumplings tender.
• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor of the dumplings.
• Butter or Margarine: Cold butter or margarine is cut into the dry ingredients to add tenderness and lightness to the dumplings.
• Milk: Whole milk helps form a moist, smooth dough.

How to Tell When Dumplings Are Done

To check if your dumplings are fully cooked, insert a fork or toothpick into one. If it comes out clean, the dumplings are done.

How to Store Dumplings

Leftover cooked dumplings or dumpling soup can be stored in an airtight in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. Gently reheat them on the stove or in the microwave in 10-second intervals.

How to Freeze Dumplings

If you want to have dumplings ready to go in the future, freeze the dough. Here's how:

1. Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet.
2. Flash freeze the dough for at least three hours (or overnight).
3. Transfer the frozen dough to a freezer-safe or zip-top bag, and label with the date. Freeze for up to three months.
4. When you're ready to cook, let the dumplings thaw for about 30 minutes and then drop them straight into your soup or stew.

Directions

1. Step 1: Gather all your ingredients.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
3. Step 3: Cut in the cold butter or margarine until the mixture becomes crumbly.
4. Step 4: Stir in the milk and mix until a thick batter forms, one that can be scooped with a spoon.
5. Step 5: Let the batter rest for 3 to 5 minutes.
6. Step 6: Drop spoonfuls of the batter into boiling stew or soup.
7. Step 7: Cover the pot and simmer without lifting the lid for 15 minutes.
8. Step 8: Serve the dumplings hot and enjoy!

Cooks Note

To add a touch of flavor, try incorporating 1 tablespoon of parsley flakes into the dry ingredients for parsley dumplings. If you prefer a finer consistency, sift the dry ingredients before mixing them.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	106
Total Fat	3g (3%)
Saturated Fat	2g (8%)
Cholesterol	7mg (2%)
Sodium	364mg (16%)
Total Carbohydrate	18g (7%)
Dietary Fiber	1g (2%)
Total Sugars	2g
Protein	3g (6%)
Calcium	118mg (9%)
Iron	1mg (6%)
Potassium	52mg (1%)

Homemade dumplings are a beloved dish, known for their light, fluffy texture and their ability to enhance the flavor of soups and stews. These tender morsels of dough are the perfect complement to a hearty bowl of chicken soup or vegetable stew. But what makes them even more special is their rich history and regional variations across the globe. In this article, we'll explore the origin of dumplings, their regional differences, how they compare to similar dishes, and the fascinating facts behind this comforting dish.

History of Dumplings

The origins of dumplings can be traced back thousands of years, with variations appearing in multiple cultures. While the exact date of their invention is unknown, many historians believe that dumplings evolved as a way to preserve meat and other ingredients in a dough casing. In Europe, dumplings are thought to have originated in ancient Rome, where they were first made with bread and meats. By the Middle Ages, the concept had spread across Europe and Asia, evolving into a variety of forms depending on local ingredients and cultural preferences.

In the United States, dumplings became a staple comfort food, particularly in Southern and Appalachian cuisine. The American version of the dumpling, often called a drop dumpling, is a simple combination of flour, butter, baking powder, and milk, dropped directly into a pot of simmering broth. This method was especially popular in rural communities, where ingredients were limited but easy-to-make meals were essential.

Regional Variations

Different regions have put their own spin on the concept of the dumpling, adapting it to local ingredients and cooking styles. In China, dumplings (jiaozi) are typically filled with ground pork, beef, or vegetables and then steamed or fried. These dumplings are often served with soy-based dipping sauces and are a traditional dish during the Chinese New Year.

In Poland, dumplings (pierogi) are a staple of the national cuisine. These dumplings are usually filled with ingredients like potatoes, cheese, or meat and are either boiled or fried. They are often enjoyed with sour cream and sometimes sauted onions.

In the American South, dumplings are most commonly associated with "chicken and dumplings." This dish features pillowy dumplings floating in a rich, flavorful chicken broth, typically made with a mix of vegetables, herbs, and spices. The simplicity of the dumpling dough complements the depth of the soup, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.

How Homemade Dumplings Differ from Similar Dishes

Homemade dumplings differ from similar dishes, such as gnocchi or Italian-style dumplings, in both texture and preparation. While gnocchi is made from mashed potatoes or ricotta cheese and often requires rolling out dough into small pillows, the American-style dumpling is simpler. It is made by combining a basic dough and dropping spoonfuls directly into boiling soup or stew, where it absorbs the flavors of the broth while maintaining a light, airy texture.

Another major difference is the use of baking powder, which makes American dumplings fluffy and soft. Other dumplings, like the Chinese jiaozi or Polish pierogi, have a denser texture and are often filled with a variety of savory fillings before being cooked by steaming or boiling. The lack of filling in traditional American dumplings also makes them unique, as they serve more as a side dish than a main course.

Where Dumplings Are Traditionally Served

Homemade dumplings are commonly found in kitchens across the United States, especially during the colder months. They are most often paired with hearty dishes like chicken and dumplings, beef stew, or vegetable soups. In many households, dumplings are a go-to comfort food, often passed down through generations as a family recipe.

In addition to their popularity in the U.S., dumplings are also a significant part of many other cuisines around the world. For instance, in Russia, dumplings (called pelmeni) are traditionally filled with meat and served with sour cream. Similarly, in Germany, dumplings (known as kle or kndel) are often served with pork, sauerkraut, or roast beef.

Interesting Facts About Dumplings

• Did you know that dumplings have been a part of Chinese cuisine for over 1,800 years? They are a symbol of wealth and prosperity, especially during the Lunar New Year.
• In the U.S., dumplings are often served during cold winter months, especially around holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
• In Eastern European countries, dumplings are sometimes filled with sweet ingredients like fruit, and are often served as dessert with a dusting of sugar or cinnamon.
• The word "dumpling" comes from the Old English "dumpling," which originally referred to a small round mass of dough that was either boiled or fried.
• Dumplings are versatile; they can be made from a variety of ingredients such as potatoes, flour, cornmeal, or rice, and can be sweet or savory.

Whether enjoyed as a side dish or a main course, homemade dumplings are a dish that brings comfort and warmth to the table. Their humble ingredients and simple preparation make them a perfect addition to any meal, while their history and regional variations show how this versatile dish has evolved over time to suit different tastes around the world.

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