Cornmeal Dumplings With Turnip Greens

Prep: 10 min Cook: 50 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Southern

Cornmeal dumplings with tender turnip greens offer hearty comfort and savory flavors, perfect for dinner gatherings or cozy family meals.

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Ingredients

  • fresh turnip greens
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1/4 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon celery seed
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon white mustard
  • 1 grated onion
  • 3 green onion tops

Instructions

  1. While turnip greens are in their first hour of cooking, prepare the dumplings.
  2. Sift and measure the cornmeal; combine with sugar, pepper, celery seed, salt, and mustard.
  3. Sprinkle the grated onion and chopped green onion tops over the dry ingredients.
  4. Add enough boiling water to the mixture to form a moderately stiff dough.
  5. Add melted shortening to the dough, then cover and let stand for 5 minutes.
  6. Shape the dough into small, flat pones.
  7. Add chicken stock to the simmering turnip greens at the end of the first hour.
  8. Lay the dumplings on top of the greens.
  9. Cover and cook for an additional 20 to 30 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a flavorful twist, consider adding herbs like thyme or basil to the dumpling mixture. If you don't have turnip greens, any bitter green like kale or collards can be substituted. Ensure the water added to the dough is boiling for the best texture. If you want a heartier meal, serve the dumplings alongside Easy Microwave Chinese Style Chicken And Rice.

Serving Suggestions

These cornmeal dumplings pair wonderfully with a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad. For a complete meal, consider serving them with Teriyaki Fish Fillets or your favorite protein. Drizzle some Hawaiian Teriyaki Sauce over the dish to enhance the flavors and add a sweet touch.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, steam them gently or microwave briefly, adding a splash of water to keep them moist. The turnip greens can also be reheated using a similar method to maintain their texture and flavor.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Cornmeal Dumplings With Turnip Greens contains roughly 23 calories, with 1g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (56% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1755mg per serving (76% of the Daily Value).

23 kcal 1% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.1g 2% DV
Total Fat 0.6g 1% DV
Carbs 4.1g 1% DV
Fiber 2.2g 8% DV
Sugar 1.2g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1754.7mg 76% DV
Potassium 162.3mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 10.5mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 50.2mg 56% DV
Calcium 10.4mg 1% DV
Iron 0.3mg 2% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly Under 400 cal Low-fat

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 make the dumplings ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dumpling dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before cooking. This will save you time on busy days and still deliver delicious results.

What can I use instead of cornmeal?

If you don't have cornmeal, you can use polenta or a gluten-free flour blend as an alternative. The texture will be slightly different, but it will still yield delicious dumplings. Adjust the water quantity as needed to achieve the right dough consistency.

How do I know when the dumplings are done cooking?

The dumplings are done when they have risen and have a firm texture. You can test one by cutting it in half; it should be cooked through without any doughy center. Cooking them for 20 to 30 minutes should be sufficient, but timing may vary slightly based on your stovetop.

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).

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