Pinto Dumplings
Pinto dumplings are hearty, flavorful pockets made from tender pintos and cornmeal, perfect for comforting meals or as a filling side dish for those who enjoy rustic flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook pintos until about half done; drain water off.
- Mix pintos with flour, cornmeal, and soda.
- Mold the mixture into baseball-sized balls.
- Place the balls into boiling water.
- Cook slowly for about 30 minutes.
- Remove from water.
- Cut open, pour meat grease over them, and add salt to taste.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier flavor, consider adding spices like cumin or garlic powder to the pinto mixture. If you don't have meat grease, olive oil or butter can be good substitutes. To enhance the texture, try adding finely chopped vegetables such as onions or bell peppers. Be careful not to overcook the dumplings; they should be tender but firm.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these pinto dumplings with a drizzle of Annie'S Chocolate Syrup for a unique sweet-savory twist, or pair them with sides like Onion Potato Wedges for a complete meal. They also go well with a fresh salad or sautéed greens for a balanced dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a steamer for about 10 minutes, or microwave them with a splash of water covered with a damp paper towel to keep them moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pinto Dumplings contains roughly 602 calories, with 15g protein, 120g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (37% of the Daily Value) and protein (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 846mg per serving (37% 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 freeze the dumplings?
Yes, you can freeze the dumplings before cooking. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to use, cook them straight from frozen, increasing the cooking time by about 10 minutes.
What can I use instead of cornmeal?
If you don't have cornmeal, you can substitute it with ground oats or breadcrumbs. This will slightly change the texture, but it will still hold the dumplings together well and provide a unique flavor.
How can I make the dumplings vegan?
To make the dumplings vegan, simply replace the meat grease with a plant-based oil like coconut or olive oil. You can also enhance the flavor by adding nutritional yeast or spices to the mixture.
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).