Squirrel And Dumplings
Squirrel and Dumplings is a hearty, rustic dish featuring tender squirrel meat in a simple, flavorful broth, complemented by homemade dumplings. Perfect for those who enjoy traditional Southern comfort food with a savory, meaty taste and a satisfying, warm meal. Great for outdoor cookouts or family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Season the squirrel pieces with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place the squirrels in a 5-quart boiler and cover with water.
- Bring to a boil and cook until the meat is tender, about 1 hour.
- Remove the meat from the broth, debone, and set aside.
- Use the broth to prepare dumplings or serve as a stew.
Tips & Substitutions
When preparing squirrel, ensure you cut the meat into small, manageable pieces for even cooking. If you prefer a milder flavor, consider marinating the pieces in buttermilk for a few hours before seasoning. For a twist, you can substitute the squirrel with chicken or rabbit if preferred. Ensure to skim off any foam that rises while boiling for a clearer broth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the squirrel and dumplings hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. This dish pairs beautifully with a light side like Corn Saladroswell, New Mexico or a simple green salad dressed with Oil Salad Dressing. Consider serving with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover squirrel and dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the stew in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying out. For optimal results, avoid microwaving as it can toughen the meat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Squirrel And Dumplings contains roughly 273 calories, with 8g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of iron (19% of the Daily Value) and protein (16% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 486mg per serving (21% 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 use frozen squirrel for this recipe?
Yes, frozen squirrel can be used. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking. This ensures even cooking and helps retain moisture. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if the pieces are larger or thicker than fresh meat.
What can I do with leftover broth?
Leftover broth is flavorful and can be used as a base for soups or stews. You can also freeze it in ice cube trays for future use in recipes like risotto or sauces. Just be sure to label your containers with the date for easy reference.
Are there any vegetarian alternatives for dumplings?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian option, you can make dumplings using flour, baking powder, and vegetable broth. Alternatively, consider using store-bought gnocchi or a vegan recipe for fluffy dumplings that pair well with a hearty vegetable stew.
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).