Fat Hen Dumplings
Fat Hen Dumplings are tender, fluffy dumplings cooked in flavorful broth, offering a comforting, savory experience perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Remove chicken from broth when tender.
- Combine cooled broth, salt, and baking powder in a mixing bowl.
- Add enough flour to the mixture to form a stiff dough that can be rolled out, but not too stiff.
- Roll out the dough very thin on a floured surface.
- Cut the dough into pieces of desired size.
- Drop the pieces into boiling broth.
- Reduce heat to just boiling, cover the cooker with a lid, and cook until the dumplings are done.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure your dumplings are light and fluffy, avoid overworking the dough. You can substitute the broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. If you want a bit of flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or parsley to the dough. For an interesting twist, try pairing these dumplings with Fend For Yourself Stir-Fry for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the dumplings in a bowl of the broth they were cooked in, garnished with fresh herbs. They pair beautifully with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. For a complete meal, consider serving them alongside Chinese Pancakes for a delightful contrast in texture.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently simmer them in broth to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave them in a bowl with a splash of broth, covering it with a lid to keep moisture in.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fat Hen Dumplings contains roughly 219 calories, with 6g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of iron (16% of the Daily Value) and protein (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 618mg per serving (27% 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 the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out. When ready to use, allow it to come to room temperature before rolling it out.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour until it reaches a manageable consistency. Be careful not to add too much at once, as you want the dough to remain pliable for rolling out. Dust your work surface with flour to help with sticking as well.
Can I freeze the dumplings?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked dumplings. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be cooked directly from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time when boiling.
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).