Great Dumplings
Soft, fluffy dumplings with a mild, savory flavor that perfectly complement hearty chicken broth, ideal for comforting family dinners and cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the milk until the dough is thoroughly moistened.
- Drop teaspoon-sized portions of dough into simmering chicken broth.
- Cover the pan tightly and cook for 15 minutes until the dumplings are cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For lighter dumplings, ensure not to overmix the dough once the milk is added. If you’re out of shortening, unsalted butter can be a great substitute. You can also add herbs or spices to the dough for extra flavor, such as garlic powder or dried parsley, to enhance the taste. Consider trying these dumplings in a hearty stew or alongside a dish like Meat Croquettes.
Serving Suggestions
These dumplings are perfect served in a bowl of warm chicken broth or paired with a hearty stew. They also complement a fresh side salad, like Supreme Spaghetti Salad, or steamed vegetables. For a comforting meal, serve them alongside a dish of Oatmeal Custard for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, steam them over simmering water for a few minutes until warmed through, as this helps maintain their texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Great Dumplings contains roughly 41 calories, with 0g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of calcium (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1493mg per serving (65% 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 ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 1 hour before cooking. However, it's best to cook the dumplings fresh to maintain their fluffy texture. If you refrigerate longer, let it come to room temperature before cooking.
What can I do if the dumplings come out dense?
If your dumplings turn out dense, it may be due to overmixing or too much flour. Ensure you measure flour accurately and mix gently just until combined. You can also try adding a bit more milk to achieve a softer dough.
Can I freeze the dumplings?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked dumplings. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, drop them directly into simmering broth without thawing, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
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).