Lemon Dumplings
Lemon dumplings are light, citrus-flavored treats perfect for serving hot or cold. They feature a tangy lemon taste complemented by sweet and spicy notes, ideal for comforting gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring 4 cups of water, lemon slices, sugar, and molasses to a boil.
- Meanwhile, prepare the dumpling batter by mixing sifted flour, salt, shortening, baking powder, milk, and a dash of pepper until well combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the simmering liquid.
- Cook until the dumplings are done, approximately 3 minutes for small ones, turning once during cooking.
- Remove the dumplings from the liquid.
- Thicken the remaining liquid slightly with flour and pour over the dumplings before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using 1 cup of whole wheat flour with 1 cup of all-purpose flour. If you're out of shortening, unsalted butter can be a great substitute. To enhance the lemon flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter. This recipe is a delightful twist on American recipes, ensuring a unique dessert experience.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the lemon dumplings warm, drizzled with the thickened sauce. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a sweet contrast. For added texture, consider serving alongside a fresh fruit salad or a light citrus salad to complement the lemon flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover dumplings and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the dumplings in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to maintain their moisture. Reheat the sauce in a saucepan, stirring until warmed through before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon Dumplings contains roughly 963 calories, with 8g protein, 175g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (140% of the Daily Value), iron (69% of the Daily Value), and potassium (60% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1044mg per serving (45% 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 dumplings in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dumpling batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just drop the batter into boiling water when you're ready to cook them. Avoid storing cooked dumplings, as they may become soggy.
What can I use instead of molasses?
If you don't have molasses, you can substitute it with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile. However, keep in mind that the sweetness level may vary, so adjust the sugar accordingly to taste.
How do I know when the dumplings are done cooking?
The dumplings are done when they float to the surface and are puffed up. For small dumplings, this usually takes about 3 minutes. It’s a good idea to turn them once during cooking for even doneness.
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).