Fluffy Rustic Dumplings
These Fluffy Rustic Dumplings are a delightful addition to your favorite soups and stews! Perfectly tender and pillowy, they transform lima bean soup, vegetable soup, and classic chicken and dumplings into a comforting meal. Easily made from simple ingredients, these dumplings are a budget-friendly alternative to store-bought varieties. The best part? You can prepare them in advance and freeze uncooked for future meals. Just add them to your simmering soup in the last 15 minutes of cooking for perfectly cooked dumplings every time. Embrace the warmth and satisfaction these dumplings bring to your kitchen!
25
Servings
40
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
white flour
1 (cup)
baking powder
1 (teaspoon)
salt
1 (teaspoon)
shortening
1.5 (teaspoons)
water
as needed (for forming dough)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the white flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together until well-blended.
2
Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the shortening into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3
Gradually add water a little at a time, mixing until the dough comes together to form a stiff, workable consistency.
4
If the dough feels sticky, dust a small amount of flour onto the surface and knead gently until it forms a soft ball without being tacky.
5
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/2 centimeter in thickness.
6
Use a sharp knife to cut the rolled dough into small squares, approximately 1 1/2 inches wide by 2 inches high.
7
Carefully drop the dumplings into your simmering soup during the last 15 minutes of cooking, allowing them to puff up and cook through.
Nutrition Information
0.4g
Fat
8g
Carbs
1g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Fluffy Rustic Dumplings?
Fluffy Rustic Dumplings are tender, pillowy additions to soups and stews made from simple household ingredients like flour, baking powder, and shortening.
Which soups pair best with these dumplings?
They are excellent in lima bean soup, vegetable soup, and classic chicken and dumplings.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 25 dumplings.
Are these dumplings budget-friendly?
Yes, they are a cost-effective alternative to store-bought varieties since they use basic pantry staples.
Can I freeze these dumplings for later?
Yes, you can prepare the dough, cut the dumplings, and freeze them uncooked for future use.
How long do the dumplings need to cook in the soup?
Add them to your simmering soup during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
What is the calorie count per dumpling?
Each dumpling contains approximately 40 calories.
How thick should I roll out the dough?
The dough should be rolled out to a thickness of about 1/2 centimeter.
What size should the dumplings be cut into?
Cut the dough into small squares that are roughly 1.5 inches wide by 2 inches high.
What should I do if the dough is too sticky?
Dust a small amount of flour onto the surface and knead gently until it forms a soft ball that is no longer tacky.
What type of flour is used in this recipe?
This recipe calls for 1 cup of white flour.
How much baking powder is required?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of baking powder to help the dumplings puff up.
Is there salt in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 teaspoon of salt for seasoning.
How much shortening is needed?
You will need 1.5 teaspoons of shortening.
What is the purpose of the shortening?
The shortening is cut into the dry ingredients to create a tender, crumbly texture.
How much water should I add to the dough?
Add water gradually, a little at a time, until the dough reaches a stiff, workable consistency.
What tools can I use to cut the shortening into the flour?
You can use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend the shortening with the dry ingredients.
Should the soup be boiling when I add the dumplings?
The soup should be simmering rather than at a rolling boil to allow the dumplings to cook through properly.
What is the texture of these dumplings once cooked?
They have a soft, fluffy, and slightly pasta-like texture.
Are these dumplings suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, as long as they are cooked in a vegetable-based soup, as the dumpling ingredients themselves are vegetarian.
How much fat is in one dumpling?
There is approximately 0.4 grams of fat per dumpling.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each dumpling has about 8 grams of carbohydrates.
Do these dumplings contain protein?
Yes, each dumpling provides about 1 gram of protein.
Is this a good recipe for beginners?
Absolutely, it is categorized as an easy recipe with simple instructions.
Can I use a knife to cut the dough?
Yes, a sharp knife is recommended to cut the rolled dough into squares.
What is the first step in making the dough?
The first step is to whisk together the white flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl.
How do I know when the shortening is mixed correctly?
The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs once the shortening is properly cut in.
Do I need to knead the dough?
Kneading is only necessary if the dough is sticky; you should knead gently until it forms a soft ball.
What makes these dumplings 'rustic'?
Their simple, hand-cut square shapes and basic pantry ingredients give them a traditional, rustic appeal.
Can these be served as a side dish?
While usually cooked inside a soup, they function as a hearty bread-like component of a meal.