Cornmeal Dumplings
Creamy cornmeal dumplings with a tender texture, perfect for serving in hearty broths or alongside savory meats, appealing to comfort food lovers and home cooks alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together flour, baking powder, cornmeal, and salt.
- Add just enough milk to the mixture to form a soft dough.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough into simmering broth.
- Cover and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes.
- Do not lift the lid during cooking or the dumplings may become soggy.
- Serve in hot broth, preferably with boiled ham bone and additional broth for flavor.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of herbs like thyme or parsley to the dumpling mix. If you're out of milk, water or vegetable broth can work as substitutes. Ensure the dough is soft but not sticky; adjust the flour or liquid as necessary. For a different texture, experiment with a mix of cornmeal and flour for a heartier dumpling, which complements dishes like Sue'S Bourbon Slushies.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cornmeal dumplings in a warm, hearty broth, ideally with a boiled ham bone for added flavor. They also pair well with a side of Crunchy Rotel Salad for a refreshing crunch. For a comforting meal, consider adding sautéed greens or roasted vegetables to create a balanced plate.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a pot with a bit of broth or water, cover, and steam gently until warmed through. Avoid microwaving them directly, as this can make them tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cornmeal Dumplings contains roughly 224 calories, with 6g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of iron (17% of the Daily Value) and protein (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1587mg per serving (69% 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 make cornmeal dumplings ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for a few hours before dropping spoonfuls into simmering broth. However, for the best texture, it's recommended to cook them fresh to maintain their lightness.
What can I use instead of cornmeal?
If you don't have cornmeal, you can substitute it with polenta or finely ground corn flour. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, but it will still yield delicious dumplings.
How can I make these dumplings gluten-free?
To make gluten-free cornmeal dumplings, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the baking powder you use is also gluten-free. The texture may differ slightly, but they will still be delicious and comforting.
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).