Vegetable Cornmeal Dumplings
Vegetable Cornmeal Dumplings are hearty, flavorful bites combining tender vegetables with a cornmeal-based dough, perfect for a comforting meal suitable for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Scald milk; add 1/4 cup margarine, sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt. Cool to lukewarm.
- Dissolve yeast in warm water.
- Add dissolved yeast, 1 cup flour, cornmeal, and beaten egg to the milk mixture, stirring to combine.
- Add enough additional flour (1 1/2 to 2 cups) to make a soft dough and knead lightly until smooth.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk.
- Cook chopped celery, grated carrots, chopped onion, and 1/2 teaspoon salt, covered, in 2 tablespoons margarine or drippings for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure the milk mixture is cool enough before adding the yeast to prevent killing it. You can substitute butter for margarine if preferred. If you're out of cornmeal, finely ground polenta can work in a pinch. Experiment with herbs like thyme or parsley in the dough for added flavor, similar to what you would find in Quick Butter-Fluff Rolls.
Serving Suggestions
These dumplings are delightful served alongside a fresh garden salad or as a hearty side to a vegetable stew. Pair them with Creamy Yogurt Potato Salad for a complete meal. For a comforting touch, serve them warm with a drizzle of melted butter or gravy over the top. They also make a great addition to any vegetarian recipes table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, steam them for a few minutes or microwave them with a damp paper towel over them to maintain moisture. They can also be sautéed in a bit of margarine for a crispy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vegetable Cornmeal Dumplings contains roughly 1082 calories, with 48g protein, 179g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (115% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (113% of the Daily Value), and protein (95% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 997mg per serving (43% 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 in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After kneading, let it rise, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and cooking the dumplings.
What can I use instead of celery in the filling?
If you don't have celery, you can substitute with chopped bell peppers or zucchini for a similar crunch. Just make sure to adjust cooking time to ensure they are tender but not mushy.
How do I know when the dumplings are fully cooked?
The dumplings are done when they have risen and turned golden brown on the outside. You can also insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, they are fully cooked. They should have a soft yet firm texture when bitten.
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).