Priceless Dumplings
Delicate dumplings with a light, fluffy texture, perfect for adding to broths or enjoying on their own. Suitable for quick, comforting, and versatile meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat the egg lightly.
- Add the cold water, melted shortening, salt, and baking powder to the egg.
- Stir until smooth.
- Drop by spoonfuls into boiling broth.
- Cook for 10 minutes.
- These dumplings can be cooked without turning them.
- They can be reheated and are light as a feather.
Tips & Substitutions
For lighter dumplings, make sure not to overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients. If you're out of shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of butter or oil. For a twist, try adding herbs like parsley or chives to the batter for extra flavor. If you prefer a thicker consistency, adjust the flour slightly, but be careful not to compromise the lightness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these dumplings as a delightful addition to soups or stews, especially chicken broth or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option. They pair beautifully with Spaetzle (German Dumplings) And Chicken for a hearty meal. Top with fresh herbs or pair them with a side of sautéed vegetables for a complete dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a pot of simmering broth or steam them for a few minutes to maintain their light texture. Avoid microwaving, as that can make them tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Priceless Dumplings contains roughly 101 calories, with 1g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (23% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2256mg per serving (98% 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 dumpling dough ahead of time. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, drop them into boiling broth directly from the fridge, adding a minute to the cooking time to ensure they cook through.
What if I don't have baking powder?
If you don't have baking powder, you can make a substitute by mixing 1/4 teaspoon baking soda with 1/2 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice for each teaspoon of baking powder needed. This will help achieve the necessary rise for your dumplings.
Can I freeze the dumplings?
It's not recommended to freeze cooked dumplings as they may become soggy upon thawing. However, you can freeze the unformed dough. Shape the dumplings, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Cook from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cook 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).