Make Light, Fluffy Dumplings

Edited by Rebecca M., Eng, Lynn, Robbi and 3 others

Amadscientist

There are almost as many different types of dumplings as there are foods to put them in. They come in various flavors and textures, but they are all wonderful!

From the light, fluffy dumplings that you find floating in stews, to the small, denser dumplings such as Spaetzle and Gnocchi. Pure and simple - dumplings are comfort food.

While the main ingredients are basically the same, everyone has a special ingredient they like to add that makes their dumplings unique. With all the flavor combinations possible, you could make dumplings every day for a month and never make the same kind twice.

Basic Ingredients

  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons of baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon of salt
  • 3/4 cup of milk
  • 1 tablespoon salad oil
  • 1 egg

Directions

These dumplings cook just as well in a clear broth as they do in soups and stews. Before you begin to make your dumplings, make sure that whatever liquid you are using to cook them in is at a full boil and has a lid that fits tightly.

  1. 1
    In a medium sized mixing bowl, sift together baking powder, flour, and salt, along with any other dry seasonings that you want to add.
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  2. 2
    Combine the milk, egg, and salad oil and beat until well combined.
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  3. 3
    Add dry ingredients all at once and mix until just blended
    .
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  4. 4
    You're looking for a soft, sticky dough will form.
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  5. 5
    Drop rounded tablespoons of the mixture into the boiling liquid.
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  6. 6
    Cover tightly and return liquid to a boil.
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  7. 7
    Reduce heat and simmer for 12-15 minutes.
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Hints and Tips

Experiment with your dumplings by adding garlic or onion powder. You can even add some grated cheese before you mix them up. Almost anything goes when it comes to this tasty dish.

  • The most important rule when it comes to keeping dumplings light and airy - resist the urge to peek at them while they are cooking. Leave them tightly covered until the cooking time is up and you'll notice a world of difference.

Different Dumplings in Different Cultures

Dumplings are not only popular in Asian cultures. Surprisingly, dumplings are also present in other cultures, except they've been modified and all have their unique forms and recipes.

  1. 1
    Fufu
    .
    This is Africa's version of dumplings. Essentially, these are balls that are made of starch and flour and then just steamed. Fufu is considered one of the staple foods in Africa, although there are different varieties of it as well.
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  2. 2
    Savoury dumplings
    .
    This is Britain and Ireland's version of dumplings. The dough is different, but they normally just season it with salt and pepper, very common in that part of Europe.
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  3. 3
    Ravioli
    .
    This is Italy's version of dumplings. They are usually filled with different things like mushrooms, cheese, meat, vegetables, and the like. They are often treated as a pasta dish.
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If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.

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Article Info

Categories : Cooking

Recent edits by: Alma, Christine dela Cruz, Robbi

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