Southern Dumplings

Southern Dumplings

Description:

Southern Dumplings are a comforting dish, perfect for chilly nights or family gatherings. These fluffy, tender dumplings are served in a savory broth with chicken or vegetables. The dumplings themselves are light, soft, and melt in your mouth, making them a true Southern classic. Whether served on their own or as a side, they are a must-try.

Ingredients:

For the Dumplings:

• 2 cups self-rising flour

• ¼ cup shortening or lard

• ¾ cup boiling water

For the Broth (optional, if making chicken and dumplings):

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup cooked chicken (shredded)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions:

For the Dumplings:

1. Prepare the Dumpling Dough:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-rising flour and shortening (or lard).

   • Add the boiling water to the mixture. Stir with a spoon until the dough begins to come together. You may need to use your hands to knead it slightly to make sure it is well combined.

2. Form the Dumplings:

   • Lightly flour your hands and form the dough into small balls, about the size of a walnut. These will expand a little as they cook, so they don’t need to be too big.

For the Broth (if making chicken and dumplings):

1. Make the Broth:

   • In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a simmer over medium heat.

   • Add the shredded chicken and season with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Add the Dumplings:

   • Gently drop the dumplings into the simmering broth one at a time. Avoid stirring the broth once the dumplings are in.

   • Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for 15-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time to ensure the dumplings steam properly.

3. Serve:

   • Once the dumplings have cooked through (they should be light and fluffy), serve the chicken and dumplings in bowls. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley.

Notes:

• If you prefer vegetarian dumplings, you can skip the chicken and broth, and serve the dumplings in a vegetable broth instead.

• For a richer broth, you can add a bit of cream or milk to the simmering liquid.

• If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can use all-purpose flour and add 2 teaspoons of baking powder.

Tips:

• Keep the lid on the pot while the dumplings are cooking; this ensures they stay tender by trapping the steam.

• For extra flavor, you can sauté some garlic or onions in butter before adding the chicken and broth.

• If you prefer a thicker broth, add a tablespoon of flour mixed with water to the simmering broth to create a slurry.

Servings:

This recipe serves 4-6 people.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 250-300 kcal (depends on broth and meat used)

• Carbs: 40g

• Protein: 10g (if using chicken)

• Fat: 9g (depending on the shortening or lard)

• Fiber: 2g

• Sodium: 700mg (depending on broth)

Benefits:

• Comforting and Hearty: The dumplings are filling and provide a warm, comforting meal.

• Customizable: You can make this dish with chicken, beef, or just vegetable broth to suit dietary preferences.

• Rich in Protein: Adding chicken provides a good protein source, making this meal satisfying and nutritious.

Q&A for the Recipe:

Q: Can I use all-purpose flour instead of self-rising flour?
A: Yes, if you use all-purpose flour, add 2 teaspoons of baking powder to the flour for it to rise properly.

Q: How can I make the dumplings lighter?
A: Be sure to not overwork the dough, as this will make them dense. You want the dough to be soft and slightly sticky when forming the dumplings.

Q: Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?
A: Dumplings are best made fresh, but you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to a day before cooking.