Blueberry Grunt(Nova Scotia Classic)
A classic Nova Scotia dessert featuring sweet blueberries topped with fluffy dumplings, perfect for summer gatherings and comfort food lovers seeking warm, fruity flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour blueberries into a skillet, including water from cans. Stir in sugar and cook until the first sign of bubbles.
- Mix dry ingredients and grated orange rind.
- Stir in milk until just combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of the batter on top of the simmering blueberries to form dumplings.
- Cover and cook for about 15 minutes or until dumplings are doubled in size.
- Serve the dumplings with sauce and top with thick cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best flavor, use fresh blueberries when in season, but canned blueberries work well too. If you're short on flour, you can substitute half with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste. Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavor profile. Make sure not to overmix the batter; it should be just combined to keep the dumplings light and fluffy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the blueberry grunt warm, drizzled with thick cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. It pairs beautifully with Swedish Butterhorns for a sweet breakfast or brunch spread. A sprinkle of chopped nuts on top can add a nice crunch and complement the soft dumplings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dumplings in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or water to maintain moisture, covering until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave them for 30-40 seconds, ensuring they stay soft.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Blueberry Grunt(Nova Scotia Classic) contains roughly 200 calories, with 4g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 889mg per serving (39% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid. This will help maintain the right consistency when cooking and prevent the dumplings from becoming soggy.
What can I substitute for milk in this recipe?
If you're looking for a dairy-free option, almond milk or oat milk can be excellent substitutes for regular milk. They will still yield delicious dumplings while accommodating dietary restrictions or preferences.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It's best to prepare the batter just before cooking to ensure the dumplings are fluffy. If you must make it ahead, cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to an hour. Stir gently to revive it before dropping onto the blueberries.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).